🔒ShieldGuard Learn — Security Guideline
Protecting Yourself from Telegram-Based Hacks
Context
The THORChain founder’s $1.2M wallet hack started with a compromised Telegram account belonging to a trusted friend. A malicious Zoom link delivered through Telegram triggered the attack, leading to drained funds. Similarly, ShieldGuard’s Co-Founder and CEO, Ajayakumar K, faced a hacking attempt where a fraudster (posing as a VC) sent a fake Zoom link that attempted to install remote control software and keyloggers. Thankfully, he identified and reported the attempt in time.
These cases highlight a serious reality: Telegram has become a primary hunting ground for scammers, many of whom operate systematically, launching impersonation, malware, and social engineering attacks. Their goal is not just your crypto wallet, they target your entire wealth, including bank accounts and sensitive personal data.
If you are using Telegram for communication in crypto, you must assume you are a potential target.
đź”’ ShieldGuard Telegram Security Guidelines
Follow these mandatory security practices to secure your account:
1. Account Privacy & Identity Protection
- Hide your phone number from everyone (Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number).
- Disable calls (both audio and video) unless from trusted contacts.
- Prevent strangers from adding you to groups or channels.
- Disable forwarded messages so your identity cannot be traced via forwarded content.
2. Authentication & Device Security
- Set a strong password for your Telegram account in addition to your SMS login.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) (Settings → Privacy and Security → Two-Step Verification).
- Create a local passcode lock for your Telegram app to prevent device-level hijacking.
- Regularly check active sessions (Settings → Devices) and immediately terminate all unknown sessions.
- Always log out from public or shared devices.
3. Data & Information Protection
- Clear payment and shipping info from your account to avoid leakage.
- Never click on suspicious links (Zoom, Google Docs, airdrop forms, etc.) even if they appear to come from a trusted contact.
- Do not connect third-party websites or bots to your Telegram unless they are verified and absolutely necessary.
- Disable “Suggest Frequent Contacts” to reduce exposure to impersonation attempts.
4. Proactive Measures
- Subscribe to Telegram Premium for added security features and advanced privacy options.
- Regularly update the app from official app stores to patch vulnerabilities.
- Report suspicious accounts and block them immediately.
- Use multiple communication channels for sensitive discussions (do not rely on Telegram alone).
5. ShieldGuard Critical Recommendation
- Treat any link shared via Telegram as potentially malicious. Verify directly with the sender through another channel before clicking.
- Keep crypto wallets (especially mobile hot wallets) separate from your Telegram device. Avoid storing significant assets on the same phone you use for Telegram.
- For funds over $1,000, always move assets to a hardware wallet (cold storage).
⚠️ Final Note
Telegram is a powerful tool for crypto communities but is also exploited by professional scam networks. Protecting yourself requires strict privacy settings, disciplined security hygiene, and the use of hardware wallets.
This guideline is prepared under ShieldGuard Learn:ShieldGuard Protection and Scam Prevention & Education.
