Introduction
Telegram has evolved from a privacy-centric messaging app into a double-edged sword, serving both legitimate users and cybercriminals. By 2025, its encrypted infrastructure, massive group capacities, and anonymity features have made it a breeding ground for dark web activities, ranging from data leaks to coordinated cyberattacks. This article explores the most notorious Telegram channels linked to underground operations and provides actionable insights for cybersecurity professionals.

1. The Rising Threat Landscape on Telegram
Telegram’s encrypted environment has attracted threat actors seeking to replicate dark web ecosystems. Despite AI-powered content moderation introduced in late 2024, cybercriminal groups continue exploiting the platform for credential trading, malware distribution, and DDoS coordination. Key activities include:

• ​Credential Theft: Channels like Moon Cloud aggregate logs from malware like LummaC2 and Stealc, selling 2,000+ fresh credentials daily.
• ​DDoS-for-Hire: Groups such as NoName057(16) and RipperSec recruit volunteers for politically motivated attacks, offering crypto rewards.
• ​Malware Marketplaces: vx-underground provides open-source malware samples and threat intelligence, blurring the line between education and exploitation.

2. Top 10 Dark Web Telegram Channels in 2025
1. vx-underground
A repository for malware researchers, this channel shares verified threat reports, source code, and vulnerability analyses. With 43,000+ subscribers, it’s a hub for cybersecurity education—and a potential toolkit for attackers.

2. Moon Cloud
A centralized marketplace for stolen credentials, Moon Cloud updates 2,000+ logs daily from malware-infected devices. Its free and paid tiers make it a go-to for account takeover campaigns.

3. NoName057(16)
Known for orchestrating DDoS attacks against Ukraine and NATO allies, this pro-Russian group relaunched its recruitment channel in 2025 after Telegram’s policy crackdowns.

4. RipperSec
This Malaysia-based group targets Israeli entities using tools like MegaMedusa, a user-friendly DDoS tool compatible with multiple OS platforms.

5. Observer Cloud
A log aggregation channel with 12,755 subscribers, Observer Cloud streams compromised credentials and hosts discussions on fraud tactics.

6. Omega Cloud
Focused on Western regions, Omega offers subscription-based access to 20 billion+ logs, emphasizing real-time data from high-value targets.

7. Data Leak Monitoring
Tracking ransomware groups and breaches, this channel provides updates on emerging threats but lacks coverage of major dark web forums.

8. BidenCash CVV [ANTIPUBLIC]
An automated feed for stolen credit card data, BidenCash penalizes vendors who leak card details publicly, ensuring exclusivity.

9. EMP/mailpass/sqli Chat
Originally a Russian-speaking group, EMP now hosts global discussions on SQLi attacks, financial fraud, and streaming service credentials.

10. Dark Storm Team
Collaborating with groups like Anonymous Sudan, Dark Storm offers DDoS services and sells databases from banks and airports.

3. Migration Trends and Platform Shifts
Telegram’s 2024 AI moderation push forced threat actors to diversify. Many migrated to Signal, Discord, or decentralized networks, but Telegram remains relevant due to its scalability and anonymity.

4. Mitigation Strategies for Enterprises

• ​Threat Intelligence: Monitor channels like Data Leak Monitoring to preempt breaches.
• ​Credential Hygiene: Implement multi-factor authentication to counter credential-stuffing attacks.
• ​Network Monitoring: Detect DDoS patterns using tools aligned with RipperSec’s MegaMedusa tactics.

Conclusion
Telegram’s role in dark web operations persists despite platform reforms. Cybersecurity teams must prioritize real-time monitoring of these channels to mitigate risks like data theft and ransomware. By understanding these threat vectors, organizations can fortify defenses against evolving cybercrime tactics.