Hackers from the Belarusian group «Cyberpartisans» have developed a separate modification of the Telegram messenger, which was adapted for use in conditions of occupation, persecution and repression. One of its key functionalities is the automatic deletion of all messages when a special fake password is entered.
Hackers from the Belarusian group «Cyberpartisans» have developed a separate modification of the Telegram messenger, which was adapted for use in conditions of occupation, persecution and repression. One of its key functionalities is the automatic deletion of all messages when a special fake password is entered.
The hacker group «Cyberpartisans», which previously claimed responsibility for the destruction of Aeroflot’s IT infrastructure and the hacking of the company’s management computers, said in an interview with Radio NV that it had created its own version of the Telegram messenger with a self-destructing correspondence function.
According to the initiative’s representative, Yulianna Shemetovets, this version is intended primarily for people who are in dangerous environments, in particular in Belarus, the occupied territories of Ukraine, or other areas where digital security is critically important. If the user is forced to unlock the phone, entering a pre-configured fake password instantly erases all message history, chats, and contacts.
«We know stories when our Telegram really saved lives. Especially during inspections in the occupied territories or in Belarus,» said Shemetovets.
Despite creating their own more secure tool, the Cyber Partisans themselves do not consider Telegram a reliable means of communication. They advise avoiding discussing any sensitive topics in the messenger’s regular chats, and using other applications altogether if possible.
«We always advise against discussing sensitive topics on Telegram. If you do communicate, at least in secret chats. But in general, it’s better in other applications. For example, in Signal, even for everyday conversations. It will be safer,» she emphasized.
The hacker group also points out that Russian intelligence agencies often gain access to Telegram accounts not through system hacking, but through physical capture of the device, unlocked devices, or human carelessness. That is why the cyber group is actively engaged in educational activities in the field of digital security: it publishes instructions, creates protection tools, and also tries to increase the culture of cyber hygiene among citizens.
This is a Belarusian hacktivist group that emerged in August 2020 amid mass protests against the Lukashenko regime. The group unites IT specialists, engineers, and cyber enthusiasts who aim to oppose authoritarian regimes through digital means.
Among the most famous operations: hacking government databases, disabling railway automation to complicate the movement of Russian troops through the territory of Belarus, publishing the personal data of security forces and officials, and creating secure communication tools for citizens living under the pressure of repression.
Cyberguerrillas operate independently of states, operate without a centralized structure, and are funded primarily through donations. They regularly collaborate with Ukrainian and international hacktivists, supporting the fight against autocratic regimes in the region.
We previously wrote about how on July 17, cyber specialists from the Main Intelligence Directorate attacked the network infrastructure of PJSC Gazprom.
