MAX vs. Scammers: Messenger Blocks 105,000 Suspicious Accounts in September
In September 2025, MAX Messenger’s Security Center stopped 105,000 suspicious accounts and removed more than 350,000 malicious files from its platform — including spam, phishing links, and fraudulent content. In cooperation with Russian law enforcement, nine cybercriminals were arrested, while user reports were processed in under four minutes on average.
Fighting Fraud and Building User Trust
The September report from MAX highlights the growing sophistication of fraud schemes targeting messaging apps — and the increasing demand for robust, automated security ecosystems. For platforms like MAX, establishing a reliable defense against scams and abuse is essential to maintaining user confidence.
Through the in-app ‘Report’ tool, users submitted about 68,000 complaints last month, all processed in less than four minutes on average. This rapid response not only prevents harm but also reinforces users’ perception of MAX as a secure, accountable platform. Experts recommend activating "Safe Mode" in the app to filter suspicious contacts and links.
Fraud in messaging platforms has become a social and economic issue in Russia — with implications for national cybersecurity. Building systemic protection into communication services has therefore become a strategic priority within the country’s broader digital security framework.
Security Evolution and Domestic Focus
Looking ahead, MAX plans to enhance its automated anomaly detection systems, strengthen coordination with law enforcement agencies, and integrate educational tools for user awareness. These measures will help the platform sustain user trust and expand its protection capabilities.
While MAX’s security modules could, in theory, become exportable cybersecurity products, the platform’s focus remains on the domestic market and the protection of Russian users. Developers emphasize that stability, transparency, and privacy must be balanced with usability. The company acknowledges key risks — including evolving fraud tactics, infrastructure constraints, and the challenge of maintaining transparency without crossing into perceived censorship. Designing a resilient security architecture requires both technical sophistication and significant investment.
A Global Shift Toward Transparency
Russia’s experience mirrors a worldwide trend toward transparency in digital security. In 2024–2025, the Central Bank of Russia reported that messenger-based scams accounted for 15.7% of all cyberattacks, second only to calls and SMS fraud (45.6%). Large-scale botnets, phishing campaigns, and fraudulent investment schemes have proliferated in recent years.
Globally, major platforms — including Telegram and Meta — have begun publishing transparency reports on moderation and content removal. Telegram’s 2024 “Moderation” section revealed 15.3 million blocked channels and public chats, including 700,000 for distributing CSAM material and 128,000 for inciting violence or terrorism.
The MAX Security Center’s September report aligns with these international practices. It demonstrates Russia’s efforts to strengthen digital resilience and build institutional cooperation between private tech companies and state cybersecurity agencies.
Integration with National Infrastructure
By blocking over 100,000 accounts and removing hundreds of thousands of malicious files, MAX is evolving from a messenger into a security-aware ecosystem. Its collaboration with law enforcement has already led to arrests of cybercriminals using messaging apps for financial theft.
Experts forecast further improvements over the next year, including faster detection, enhanced analytics, and broader integration with government systems. Within three to five years, messaging platforms could function as nodes of national cybersecurity infrastructure — protecting users proactively rather than reactively. Those that fail to meet safety expectations risk losing public trust.
For Russia’s IT industry, this trend opens opportunities for innovation in cybersecurity, AI-driven anomaly detection, and anti-fraud technologies — areas that are rapidly becoming strategic priorities.
