Quick answer: Telegram accounts are mostly taken over by stealing the login code; the attacker acts like someone you trust and asks for the Telegram login code sent to you, or captures this code with a SIM swap, because Telegram logs in by default with a code sent to the phone number. The only strong way to protect is to set a cloud password from the two step verification section in Telegram settings; without this password, capturing only the SMS code is enough to take over the account. If your account is taken over, log in again from another device, terminate all other devices from the active sessions section and immediately set or change the two step cloud password. Never share your Telegram login code with anyone; everyone who asks for this code is a fraudster.

The compromise of Telegram works differently from most social media accounts: the attacker does not crack your password, they steal your login code. Because Telegram logs in by default with a code sent to your phone number, and if this code is captured the account is captured too. This article explains this mechanism, how to protect against it and what to do if you are taken over. Read it together with the first hour guide for general emergency response.

How Telegram takeover happens

Method What the attacker does Defense
Asking for the code Acts like a contact and asks for the login code Never share the code
SIM swap Captures your number and gets the code Two step cloud password
Fake login page Collects the code with phishing Log in only from the app
Open session Leaving a session on a lost device Regularly check active sessions

The essence of this table: the Telegram login code is the key to your account. Without a two step cloud password, capturing only this code is enough to take over the account.

The most critical step: the two step cloud password

The real protection on Telegram is the two step verification, that is a cloud password, enabled from the privacy and security section in settings. When this password is on, an attacker cannot get into the account even if they capture the SMS code, because they must also know this password. When setting a cloud password, also add a recovery email; this lets you recover the account if you forget the password. This single setting stops the vast majority of Telegram takeovers. Why the SMS code alone is insufficient is detailed in the SIM swap attack article.

What to do if taken over

If you can still access your account, go to the devices or active sessions section in settings and terminate all sessions except your own device; this instantly drops the attacker's open session. Right after, set the two step cloud password or change it if you already have one. If your number was captured with a SIM swap, contact your operator and get the SIM back. If you cannot get into the account at all, try to log in again with the same number; Telegram sends the login code to your number. This process follows the same account takeover and recovery logic.

Warn your circle

Compromised Telegram accounts are used to ask your contacts for money or a login code in your name; acting as if they are you, the attacker tries to take over your friends' accounts too. So until you recover your account, warn your circle from another channel: do not respond to login code and money requests coming from me. This chained takeover is a classic example of the phishing and social engineering technique.

Lasting protection

There are three rules for lasting protection on Telegram: definitely enable the two step cloud password, never share your login code with anyone, and regularly check active sessions and terminate unfamiliar devices. Everyone who asks for the login code, even if they look like someone you know, is a fraudster. For the general principles of identity and password management, see the password, 2FA and passkey security guide.

The KAOS and DSET approach

DSET offers a security approach that protects the digital identity assets of organizations and individuals. Our local AI engine KAOS scans the external surface and leaked credentials to detect takeover risks, and reports every finding with a working proof, without false positives. We also provide phishing simulation and awareness training for corporate teams. The goal is to build the reflex before an employee shares the login code.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I not share my Telegram login code with anyone? Because this code is the key to your account. Telegram logs in by default with this code sent to your number; someone who captures the code gets into your account if the two step cloud password is not on. Everyone who asks for the code, even if they look like someone you know, is a fraudster; Telegram or admins never ask for your code.

What is the two step cloud password and why is it important? The two step cloud password is a second password you set from Telegram settings. When on, an attacker cannot get into the account even if they capture your SMS login code, because they must also know this password. This single setting stops the vast majority of Telegram takeovers; definitely enable it and add a recovery email.

My number was stolen with a SIM swap, what do I do? First contact your operator and get your SIM card back. Then log into Telegram from another device, terminate active sessions and change the two step cloud password. If the two step cloud password is on, the attacker could not get into the account just by capturing the SIM; so this setting is the strongest defense.

Sources

To protect your corporate communication and digital identity assets against takeover, contact DSET. We provide security consulting from our Ankara Hacettepe Teknokent laboratory.