Dark Web Intel: 10,808 Credentials From the blackcloud_001public5 Telegram Dump

In July 2023, HEROIC dark web intelligence analysts found the blackcloud_001public5 stealer log file circulating on Telegram after being uploaded by an anonymous user. The file contained 10,808 records of credentials harvested from infected machines in the United States. The exposed data included email addresses, plaintext passwords, and URLs showing exactly which websites the victims had logged into when their credentials were stolen.

Why This Is Dangerous

Stealer log files distributed through Telegram are especialy dangerous because they reach thousands of potential attackers within hours of being posted. The blackcloud_001public5 file gave anyone who downloaded it 10,808 working email and password combinations. With plaintext passwords, there is no cracking required. Attackers can move directly to testing those credentials against banking, email, and shopping platforms.

What Was Exposed

• Email Addresses
• Plaintext Passwords
• URLs (the specific sites where credentials were captured)

Why This Matters

Files like blackcloud_001public5 are the raw material for credential stuffing attacks, account takeovers, and identity theft at scale. When attackers have both an email and its corresponding plaintext password, they can automate logins across hundreds of websites in minutes. Financial fraud, unauthorized purchases, and social engineering attacks targeting friends and family often follow once an email account is compromised. Reused passwords multiply the damage enormousy.

How Stealer Logs Work

Stealer logs are the direct output of infostealer malware. This malware infects computers through phishing messages, fake software cracks, and malicious downloads. Once active on a machine, it records every login typed into any browser, captures saved passwords, and logs the URLs of every site visited. That data is sent back to the attacker and packaged into a structured file. On dark web forums and Telegram channels, these files are traded, sold, or given away freely. The blackcloud_001public5 log was one such freely distributed file, posted to Telegram in July 2023 and discovered by HEROIC analysts monitoring these channels.

Check If You Are Affected

HEROIC monitors dark web Telegram channels and maintains a breach database with more than 400 billion exposed records. Use the free HEROIC breach scanner to check if your email appeared in blackcloud_001public5 or any other stealer log. Knowing early means you can act before attackers do.