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The Anti-Cyber Crime Department of the Ministry of Interior on Sunday urged Telegram users on Android to update their app immediately after experts identified a vulnerability that could allow hackers to take control of accounts through voice calls.
In a Facebook post, the department said users running Telegram for Android version 12.x.x were particularly vulnerable and advised them to update to version 12.10.4 or newer.
The vulnerability has raised concerns among digital security experts over the potential risks to users.
“If the attackers successfully carry out the attack, Android users could face several risks, including unauthorized access to personal data such as photos, audio recordings, and files stored on their mobile phones, as well as access to permissions associated with Android devices,” said Chy Sophat, a digital expert.
He added that the attack was a “high-end cyberattack” exploiting “a vulnerability” in Telegram. Sophat advised users to protect themselves by updating Telegram to the latest version and adjust their privacy settings to prevent others from calling them.
He also called for a coordinated response involving multiple government institutions, telecommunications operators and technology companies to raise public awareness and address the potential threat.
“This should not be limited to just one ministry [calling for vigilance] but should involve multiple ministries working together,” Sophat said, adding that telecommunications operators should also help inform users about the risks.
He also urged authorities to cooperate with the Telegram company to assess the extent of the potential damage and determine appropriate measures to address the vulnerability.
“However, I am not sure what level of cooperation is possible, as that is a matter for the relevant government authorities to determine and discuss with the platform owner,” he said.
Telegram is among the most widely used communication platforms in Cambodia, with an estimated four million users in 2024, according to YCP Digital Innovation Strategy Experts in Cambodia. The platform is deeply embedded in both personal and business communications.
With widespread use of the platform, Cambodian users remain vulnerable to online scams due to limited digital literacy. According to UNESCO, only 32% of Cambodians have basic digital literacy skills.
Telegram has also faced longstanding concerns over identity impersonation, with scammers frequently posing as high-ranking officials and other prominent figures to deceive users and cause financial losses.
This year, users faced growing threats from scams involving malicious software designed to steal personal information and data through fraudulent extensions.
In the middle of this year, a CamboJA News review of comments posted on the Anti-Cyber Crime Department’s Facebook page between January and June found hundreds of complaints from users reporting financial losses linked to fake online loans, scammers posing as bank employees, hacked Telegram accounts and fraudulent online businesses.
Many expressed frustration over lengthy complaint procedures and a lack of follow-up updates, despite providing information that could help authorities identify those responsible.
Cambodians lost more than $45 million to online scams targeting domestic victims in 2025, according to Interior Ministry data, while authorities recovered less than $20 million.
Touch Sokhak, spokesperson of the Ministry of interior and Anti Cyber Crime Department, did not respond to CamboJA News’ request for comment.
