Today, Telegram has ceased to be just a messenger for chatting with friends. For many, it is a full-fledged working tool, a cryptocurrency wallet, a news source, and a platform for managing business channels.

That is exactly why Telegram accounts have become a frequent target for hackers, scammers, and competitors. Account hijacking can lead not only to the loss of personal correspondence, but also to the theft of expensive public channels or spam sent on your behalf.

In this article, the experts of the "Digital Footprint" project have compiled a simple step-by-step guide that will help you protect your account 100%.

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Step 1. Enable Two-Step Verification (Cloud Password)

This is the most important step. By default, logging into Telegram on a new device only requires an SMS code or a code from the app on another device. If scammers intercept this code (for example, through a SIM card duplicate or malware), they will gain access to your profile.

Cloud Password is an additional password that the system will request after entering the verification code. It is impossible to log into the account without it.

How to set it up:

1. Go to Settings ➔ Privacy and Security (or Privacy). 2. Select the Two-Step Verification (or Cloud Password) section. 3. Set a strong password (do not use birth dates or simple combinations like `123456`). 4. Be sure to provide a recovery email in case you forget the password.

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Step 2. Hide your phone number

By default, your phone number can be seen by people saved in your phonebook. But scammers can use your number to search for your data in leaked databases or attempt hacking through your mobile operator.

How to set it up:

1. Go to Settings ➔ Privacy and Security ➔ Phone Number. 2. In the "Who can see my phone number" field, select "Nobody". 3. In the "Who can find me by my number" field, select "My Contacts" (this will prevent outsiders from checking the existence of your account through phone number databases).

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Step 3. Regularly check active sessions

If someone still manages to log into your account, you can see it and instantly stop it.

How to check:

1. Go to Settings ➔ Devices (or Active Sessions). 2. You will see a list of all devices (computers, phones, tablets) where your account is currently logged in, along with their IP addresses and geolocation. 3. If you notice an unfamiliar device, immediately click the "Terminate all other sessions" button. The attacker will be logged out instantly.

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Step 4. Beware of phishing and social engineering

No technical settings will help if you hand over account access to attackers yourself. The most popular hacking method today is phishing:

1. Voting in contests: An acquaintance (whose account has already been hacked) writes to you with a request: "Vote for my niece in the children's drawing contest, here is the link". You go to a site that asks you to log in via Telegram to confirm your vote. As soon as you enter the authorization code there, your account is hijacked.
2. Fake tech support: An account named `Telegram Support` or `Telegram Security` writes to you, stating that complaints have been received against your account, and you need to follow a link to verify your identity, otherwise the account will be blocked. Remember: official Telegram support never sends direct messages demanding codes or passwords.
3. Download bots: Be careful with unofficial bots that offer to download paid programs for free or gain access to hidden features in exchange for authorization.

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Summary

The security of your digital footprint in messengers depends 90% on your personal attentiveness. Enable the cloud password, hide your phone number, and never enter verification codes on third-party sites.

If you manage large Telegram channels, it is advisable to register the creator account on a separate SIM card (preferably non-public or e-SIM) that is not used for daily calls and is not exposed anywhere on the internet.