Star Health initially stated that there was “no widespread compromise,” but further investigation revealed that the data was accessible through these chatbots. The incident highlights the increasing use of messaging platforms like Telegram by cybercriminals to distribute stolen information due to its encryption and anonymity features.
Authorities, including the Tamil Nadu cybercrime department and CERT-In, have been alerted, and investigations are ongoing. Telegram took down the chatbots following reports but similar bots quickly reappeared, underscoring the challenges in controlling such illicit activities on the platform.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that Telegram’s ease of use and encrypted messaging make it an appealing tool for hackers, further complicating efforts to protect sensitive data. Star Health is working with law enforcement to address the breach and protect its customers, stressing the need for companies to strengthen their cybersecurity measures against evolving threats. The case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing risks companies face from supply chain vulnerabilities and the exploitation of mainstream communication platforms by hackers.
Source: Reuters
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