iPhone users in Russia are being warned that Telega, an unofficial Telegram client, “contains malicious code,” the Telegram news channel Ostorozhno Novosti reported, citing readers.
The message appearing on users’ iOS devices reads: “Unable to open the app ‘Telega’ because it contains malicious code. Delete this app from your device.”
When users try to open the app, it crashes, and they are directed to a page describing the security risk.
Telega gained popularity in Russia after Telegram was blocked. Its developers described it as a “fork” — a branch of the official client. IT experts found that when users log in, Telega gains access to their personal data and can track who communicates with whom and when. Researchers who examined the app also said it was connected to VK, which its creators denied. On April 9, Telega disappeared from the App Store. The reason for its removal is unknown.
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