1,411 Plaintext Paswords Leaked in Telegram Stealer

HEROIC analysts discovered a stealer log file shared on Telegram in August 2023, containing 1,411 records stripped directly from infected computers. Each record included an email address, a plaintext password, and the URL of the site or service the password was used on. Unlike a corporate database breach, this data was captured by malware running on real people's devices, making it especially precise and immediately usable by attackers.

Why This Is Dangerous

Plaintext passwords are the most dangerous form of leaked credential because there is nothing standing between the data and the attacker. No cracking tools are needed. No waiting. A criminal who downloads this file can attempt to log in to each account listed within minutes. The URLs included in the records tell the attacker exactly which service to target, removing any guesswork. Individuals whose credentials appear here are at serious and immediate risk of account takeover across every service where they reuse the same password.

What Was Exposed

• Email addresses
• Plaintext passwords (captured directly from infected devices, no encryption)
• URLs (pinpointing the exact services tied to each credential)

Why This Matters

Stealer log data does not stay in one place. Once uploaded to Telegram, files like this are downloaded, reshared, and compiled into larger databases that fuel credential stuffing attacks across the internet. A credential stuffing attack uses automated tools to try stolen username and password combinations across hundreds of websites simultaneously. Even accounts that were not directly in this file can be compromised if someone reuses a password that appeared in any related leak. Real-world consequences include unauthorized purchases, drained bank accounts, locked email accounts, and identity fraud that can take years to resolve.

How Stealer Logs Work

Stealer logs are created by infostealer malware, a type of program specifically designed to harvest saved credentials from browsers. When an infostealer infects a computer, it accesses the browser's internal password storage, reads every saved username and password in plaintext, and records the associated website URL. It also collects session cookies, which can allow an attacker to bypass password authentication entirely and access an account as if they were already logged in. The collected data is bundled into a log file and transmitted back to the attacker, who may then sell it, share it on Telegram, or use it themselves. The process is silent, fast, and leaves little trace on the victim's device.

Check If You Are Affected

HEROIC offers a free breach scanner backed by a database of more than 400 billion compromised records, including stealer log files like this one from August 2023. You can search by email address to find out if your credentials have been exposed and which accounts may be at risk. Early detection gives you the chance to change passwords and secure accounts before an attacker acts on the data.