Why Did Your Telegram Get Hacked Even With 2FA Enabled? Understanding tdata Theft and How to Protect Yourself

3. The Most Effective Ways to Protect Yourself

To prevent your tdata folder from falling into the hands of hackers (or to ensure hackers cannot open it even if your computer gets infected), follow these steps:

A. Set Up a Local Passcode — Most Important!

Setting a Local Passcode doesn't just lock your Telegram screen; it encrypts the entire tdata folder using your passcode. Even if a hacker steals your tdata folder, they will not be able to use it because the data is locked and encrypted.

1. Open Telegram Desktop on your computer.

2. Go to Settings, then select Privacy and Security.

3. Find Local Passcode and click Turn On.

4. Set a strong passcode and configure a short Auto-lock timer (e.g., 1 minute or 5 minutes).

5. Whenever you step away from your computer, click the Lock icon at the top of the Telegram window to lock it immediately.

B. Enable Two-Step Verification (2FA)

Although 2FA cannot directly block tdata theft, it prevents hackers from changing your password or deleting your account, and it protects against unauthorized logins via SMS codes.

• Go to Settings -> Privacy and Security -> Two-Step Verification and set an additional password.

C. Regularly Check Active Sessions

Frequently inspect whether any unfamiliar devices are connected to your account.

• Go to Settings -> Devices (or Active Sessions).

• If you see any unrecognized computer or phone, click on it and select Terminate immediately.

D. Be Cautious When Downloading Files on Your Computer

• Disable Auto-Download: Go to Settings -> Advanced -> Automatic media download and turn off automatic downloads for Files.

• Never Open Suspicious Files: Avoid opening .zip, .rar, or .exe files sent by strangers—or even by friends if sent without context (as your friend's account might already be hacked).

• Keep Windows Defender or Antivirus Active: Never disable your antivirus software when installing programs.

4. What to Do If You Suspect Your tdata Was Stolen

If you suspect your computer is infected with malware or notice unusual activity on your Telegram account, take these emergency steps immediately:

1. Use Your Smartphone Immediately: Open the Telegram app on your phone, go to Settings -> Devices, and tap Terminate All Other Sessions to kick out all computer connections (including the session stolen by the hacker).

2. Disconnect Your Computer from the Internet: Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable from the suspected computer.

3. Remove the Malware or Reinstall Windows: Run a trusted antivirus scanner (such as Malwarebytes or Windows Defender Offline Scan) or perform a clean reinstallation of your operating system (Reinstall Windows) to ensure the malware is completely wiped before logging into Telegram on that computer again.