The scope of this issue is hard to overstate

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In some cases, Telegram bots are used to automate the distribution, where users can type a command to receive specific datasets. This setup allows even low-skilled individuals to obtain massive volumes of stolen data and use them for credential stuffing or phishing campaigns. As the files are easily downloadable and Telegram offers few restrictions on file types or sizes (up to 2GB), the platform has become a central node in the combolist ecosystem. The Scale of the Problem Some combolists shared on Telegram boast as many as 10 billion credentials, often combining old and new leaks.

For example, a dataset known as “RockYou2021” contained over 8 billion entries and was widely distributed across Telegram groups. Another case involved a combolist derived from the LinkedIn and india telegram data Facebook data leaks, where millions of users' data were compiled into searchable text files. Within hours of the breach becoming public knowledge, Telegram groups had links ready, sharing the datasets with anyone who wanted them. Even more concerning is that combolists often contain verified working accounts, sometimes sorted by country, service, or account type. Some sellers offer "fresh" combolists, claiming recent access to compromised services through phishing or newly exploited vulnerabilities. Impact on Individuals and Businesses The implications of these Telegram combolist breaches are far-reaching.

For individuals, the exposure of their login credentials means a high risk of: Account takeovers Identity theft Unauthorized financial transactions Phishing attacks and scams Since many people reuse passwords across services, a single leaked credential can result in multiple compromised accounts. Cybercriminals often exploit this by launching brute force attacks across different platforms, using Telegram as the base of operations. For businesses, the impact can be devastating: Employee credentials can be used to infiltrate corporate systems. Leaked customer data can result in regulatory penalties under GDPR or CCPA. Brand trust and customer loyalty may decline following publicized security incidents.