How Safe Is Telegram: Risks & Protection Methods Analysis
Telegram is one of the most popular messengers in the world. Popularity is associated with ease of use, versatility, and, of course, the positioning of the messenger as the most private and secure to use.
Messenger appeared in 2013, and over the 12 years of its existence, it has practically changed the entire sphere, introducing a trend towards privacy and data protection. It offers end-to-end encryption for private messages, the ability to create channels and groups with an unlimited number of participants, and supports user anonymity.
But is Telegram safe? In this article, you will learn about all the protection methods used by developers, as well as whether it is worth using Telegram for those who really care about data privacy.
*Discover: How to Allow Sentitive Content on Telegram? The Complete Handy Guide.
Is Telegram Safe and Secure?
According to surveys, 78% of Telegram users consider it the safest messenger that uses various technologies to protect data. While 22% choose Telegram because of its functionality and ease of use.
Telegram’s main security advantages include end-to-end encryption for private chats which means that only the sender and recipient can decrypt messages. Telegram also uses server-side encryption for regular chats and channels, which means that the data is stored on the company’s servers and can be accessed in the event of a court request.
However, Telegram is often criticized due to the lack of end-to-end encryption by default for all chats. In addition, Telegram is not subject to international checks in terms of compliance with security standards, which may raise questions from more demanding users.
The Main Security Function
One way or another, the Telegram security system is based on data encryption, as well as on storing user data on messenger servers. Whether this is safe or not, let’s consider it further.
Data Encryption
As you know, Telegram uses two encryption methods to protect data and transmitted messages:
- The “client-server” model. This type of encryption is used to protect regular chats and channels. In this case, the transmitted messages are encrypted on the sender’s device, after which they are transmitted to the Telegram servers. The encrypted messages then remain on the server until they are received on the recipient’s device. However, the data may be disclosed at the request of government agencies or hacker attacks, as encryption is not end-to-end.
- The “end-to-end” model. This method of protection is used only for secret chats. In this case, the messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted only on the recipient’s device. Even Telegram does not have access to these messages. In other words, all messages are invisible and cannot be accessed even by developers.
Data Storage
Now let’s look at the issue of data storage when using the client-server encryption model. When using regular chats, all messages and media files are stored on Telegram servers in encrypted form, and can only be decrypted on recipients’ devices.
At the same time, Telegram claims to apply strict security measures to protect this data from unauthorized access, including multi-layered server protection, and the use of secure communication channels and systems to prevent leaks.
However, the risk of data disclosure when using regular chats is extremely high: data may leak into the network, a hacker attack may occur, or law enforcement agencies may gain access to the data upon request.
The List of Common Vulnerabilities & Famous Incidents
The main questions about security measures when using Telegram began to appear after a number of incidents that occurred with user data. In addition, you can often find news online about the discovery of another Telegram vulnerability, which may cast doubt on the safety of using the platform.
Next, let’s look at the most famous incidents related to data leakage in Telegram.
Hacking and Data Leaks Cases
Perhaps the most famous incident of account hacking through phishing attacks was when users were deceived and entered their details on fake pages. The attackers sent links to fake websites through Telegram groups. As a rule, such messages offered users a reward for registration, etc. After entering the data, the users’ Telegram pages were hacked, and all the data was leaked to the network.
Also, despite the encryption, there have been cases of data leaks from third-party apps integrated with Telegram, as well as from the misuse of the messenger API.
In addition, Telegram was criticized for insufficient password protection and two-factor authentication, which could become a vulnerability for accounts.
Criminal Groups Usage
Besides, the use of Telegram for criminal purposes and fraud is quite commonplace, especially in the regions of Southeast Asia. Criminals use Telegram to organize the trade of stolen data, including banking information, passwords and personal data, as well as to distribute malware.
Messenger often becomes a platform for exchanging and selling stolen data on specialized channels or in closed groups. In addition, Telegram is sometimes used for money laundering. Criminal groups can create channels and bots to transfer funds between different accounts.
Despite these threats, Telegram is actively cooperating with the authorities and strengthening security measures but it remains a difficult task to completely prevent the use of the platform for criminal purposes.
Telegram vs. WhatsApp: What’s Better?
It would be interesting to compare the encryption approach used by Telegram with another popular messenger, for example, WhatsApp? Then here is a brief comparison of the security system by key parameters:
| Telegram | ||
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Client-server encryption for regular chats and channels. End-to-end encryption is used for “secret chats” only. | End-to-end encryption for all messages and calls. |
| Data Storage | It stores messages on its servers for regular chats, which allows you to synchronize data between user devices. | It stores the minimum amount of data on its servers since all messages and media files are deleted from the servers after delivery. |
| Privacy Level | It emphasizes its independence from large corporations and its commitment to user privacy. | It operates under the control of Facebook (Meta), which raises concerns about potential data collection for advertising and other purposes. |
| Security Functions | It offers two-factor authentication, “secret chats,” self-destructing messages, and the ability to hide a phone number. | It has built-in two-factor authentication (2FA) and is regularly updated to improve security. |
Telegram provides the user with more settings and options to enhance privacy, while WhatsApp focuses on simplifying security.
Tips & Tricks for Safe Use of Telegram
Below you will find working and useful recommendations on how to use Telegram multiple accounts correctly and safely to protect yourself and your data from possible threats.
Privacy Settings
Here are the important settings that should be used by all those who want to protect themselves in Telegram:
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Use 2FA to add an additional layer of protection to your account.
- Restrict access to the phone number. In the settings, you can hide your number from everyone, or not from contacts.
- Configure the ability to add to groups and channels. To avoid unwanted additions, limit the ability to invite you to groups or channels.
- Restrict access to media files. In the privacy settings, you can control who can send you media files.
- Check your active sessions and devices regularly. Check the active sessions in Telegram through the Device settings and close all suspicious or unused sessions.
- Use a password to log in to the app. Enable password protection for the Telegram app to prevent access to your messages if your device is lost.
- Limit the visibility of the last Telegram session. Disable or limit the visibility of the time of the last session for other users to hide when you last used Telegram.
Secret Chats
Feel free to use the secret chat feature for more sensitive conversations or data transfers. It is when using such chats that end-to-end encryption is enabled, and all materials from the chats are protected.
Nicegram
If you want to use Telegram not only safely but also profitably, then switch to its alternative client — Telegram. Nicegram is a popular Telegram client that offers all the same functionality as Telegram but in large volume. In addition, Nciegram has improved the security and privacy system for each user. Therefore, if you want to expand the functionality of Telegram and get increased security as a bonus — welcome to Nicegram.
Conclusion
There is one indisputable fact — Telegram offers a high level of security through the use of various encryption methods, including client-server encryption for regular chats and end-to-end encryption for “secret chats”.
Of course, the first encryption model is criticized and is not secure enough. But who prevents you from using secret chats for private conversations and file sharing?
Therefore, if you value the comfort and versatility of Telegram but would like to increase the security level of the messenger, then use all available methods described above and protect your data from various threats.
