As the conflict in Ukraine progresses, Telegram messaging has emerged as a favourite tool for both hacktivists and cybercriminals alike.
Research from the cybersecurity company Check Point suggests that there are six times as many groups on the messaging apps since February 24.
Some topic-specific groups have grown significantly, some even reaching more than 250,000 members.
The categories that have grown the most as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are as follows:
- Volunteer hackers engaging in DDoS and other kinds of cyberattacks against Russian entities
- Fundraising groups accepting cryptocurrency donations allegedly for Ukrainian support
- Various “news feeds” promising to offer reliable reports from the front-line
