Stolen Data Markets on Telegram: a crime script analysis and situational crime prevention measures

Illicit data markets have emerged on Telegram, a popular online instant messaging application, bringing together thousands of users worldwide in an unregulated exchange of sensitive data. These markets operate through vendors who offer enormous quantities of such data, from personally identifiable information to financial data, while potential customers bid for these valuable assets.

This study describes how Telegram data markets operate and discusses what interventions could be used to disrupt them. Using crime script analysis, 16 Telegram meeting places encompassing public and private channels and groups were observed. Within doing so, information is obtained about how the different meeting places function, what are their inside rules, and what tactics are employed by users to advertise and trade data. Based on the crime script, four feasible situational crime prevention measures are suggested to help disrupt these markets. These include taking down the marketplaces, reporting them, spamming and flooding techniques, and using warning banners.

Click here to read the full blog on stolen data markets on Telegram !

Photo: Istock.com/Shutter2U