Researchers Link HOTMAIL COMBO to 1,502 Stolen Credentials on Telegram

HEROIC analysts identified this stealer log on 26-Nov-2024. The breach exposed 1,502 records, with stolen data including email addresses, plaintext passwords, and URLs. The source is identified as HOTMAIL COMBO uploaded by a Telegram User.

Why This Is Dangerous

HOTMAIL COMBO is a credential combo list circulated through private Telegram channels, containing 1,502 Hotmail email addresses paired with plaintext passwords and the login URLs where those credentials are used. Combo lists are widely used in credential stuffing operations because the credentials are already filtered for quality. For the individuals in this list, the risk of unauthorized access to their Hotmail and linked accounts is immediate.

What Was Exposed

• Email Addresses
• Plaintext Passwords
• URLs

Why This Matters

Credentials found in private Telegram markets are typically used quickly, before account owners have a chance to detect and respond. Victims face account takeover, loss of access to linked financial accounts, and the use of their email identity to conduct phishing against their own contacts. The HOTMAIL COMBO list was circulated to threat actor channels, meaning multiple buyers likely tested these credentials against active accounts within days of the breach appearing.

How Stealer Logs Work

Credential combo lists like HOTMAIL COMBO are assembled from infostealer malware output. Infostealers infect devices through phishing emails, malicious downloads, and deceptive software updates. The malware quietly reads every saved password and URL from the browser and transmits this data to the attacker. The attacker then sorts the data into targeted lists, filtering for specific email providers like Hotmail. These curated lists are shared or sold privately on Telegram before appearing more broadly on dark web forums.

Check If You Are Affected

HEROIC offers a free breach scanner that searches 400 billion records from known breaches. Search your email address now to find out if your credentials appear in this breach or others. The scan is free and takes seconds.