A cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky, has discovered several malicious Telegram clones for Android on Google Play.
The apps were disguised as faster alternatives to the original Telegram app, but they actually contained additional code that stole user messages, contact lists, and other data.
The apps were installed over 60,000 times before Google was alerted to the issue. Google has since removed the apps from Google Play, but it is possible that some users may still have them installed on their devices.
Bijay Pokharel
Bijay Pokharel is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Abijita, an independent technology and cybersecurity news publication established in 2017. A specialist in cybersecurity journalism, Bijay covers vulnerability research, malware analysis, enterprise data breaches, digital privacy, and emerging technologies. His work translates complex technical threats into precise, accessible, and actionable intelligence for security professionals and general readers alike. His reporting and investigative coverage are routinely cited and republished across leading technology and security media.



