French Lawmakers' Telegram Accounts Hacked in Phishing Attack

An investigation has been launched after cybercriminals targeted political figures through fraudulent links on the messaging app Telegram.

The Paris prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the hacking of Telegram accounts belonging to French lawmakers and an ex-minister.
The phishing attack involved fraudulent links that prompted victims to enter their phone numbers, compromising their accounts and enabling the spread of malicious content.
At least two deputies, Laure Lavalette (RN) and Alexis Corbière (NFP), were confirmed victims, along with members of the National Assembly staff and an unidentified former Macron government minister.
Security experts highlighted the broader vulnerabilities in digital tools used by political figures, despite available cybersecurity training and recommendations like enabling two-factor authentication.
Preliminary analysis suggests potential links to cybercriminals operating since 2022, although no definitive attribution, including to state actors, has been established.