Hackers breached the Telegram account of the deputy governor of Murmansk region, engaging in fraudulent activities.
In a series of recent events, hackers have gained unauthorized access to the Telegram accounts of high-profile Russian officials, raising concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the country.
The latest victim is Oksana Demchenko, the first deputy governor of Murmansk Oblast. Her Telegram account was hacked, and users are reminded to be cautious and not click on external links or share personal information to avoid falling victim to such hacking attempts. The regional operational headquarters has also warned users not to share personal information in response to the hacking incident.
This is not the first time a high-profile official's account has been hacked in Russia. Last year, the mayor of Perm, Eduard Sosin, stated that his Telegram channel had been hacked. A post on Sosin's hacked Telegram channel stated, "I hasten to inform you that I had a bowel movement today." In April, hackers broke into the Facebook page of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, posting false information.
The incident involving Demchenko's hacked Telegram account is not isolated, as similar incidents occurred with Petr Fiala's Facebook page and Eduard Sosin's Telegram channel. The hackers could potentially send personal messages from Demchenko's compromised account, impersonating her.
While direct hacks of officials' Telegram accounts may not be frequently reported, Telegram is used as a platform for disseminating leaked or hacked information related to political or security matters. For instance, in July 2025, Russian authorities raided a popular Telegram channel tied to law enforcement due to alleged leaks of restricted information.
The broader context shows a high level of cyberattacks targeting Russian political and corporate interests. However, specific mentions of hacking Telegram accounts belonging directly to political officials in Russia are not available in the reviewed sources.
In a separate development, Russian authorities have issued a warning about the dangers of using mosquito coil spirals incorrectly. Misuse of these products can pose health risks.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals and officials to remain vigilant and practise good cybersecurity habits to protect their personal information and maintain the integrity of public discourse.
- Given the recent hacking of Oksana Demchenko's Telegram account, it's essential to practice cybersecurity measures, such as avoiding external links and sharing personal information, to prevent falling victim to similar cyberattacks in the future.
- The hacking of high-profile Russian officials' accounts, like Oksana Demchenko's Telegram account, underscores the need for general-news outlets and crime-and-justice sectors to prioritize technology-related security to safeguard sensitive information and prevent incidents of identity impersonation.
