Is Telegram safe? Discover the app’s strengths and limitations (2024)

How safe is Telegram?

Telegram is a popular messaging app that is widely recognized as a safe channel for online communications. The app creates an encrypted tunnel for messages in transit, which lowers the chances of unauthorized interceptions. Your messages stay encrypted even when they reach Telegram’s servers. As a result, Telegram cannot read the content of the messages, which are decrypted only when they reach the recipient. The decryption process happens locally on the recipient’s device: To decrypt the message, the receiver’s device uses a special key that has its counterpart on Telegram’s server. When the two keys match, the receiver is able to read the message’s content.

On the other hand, the fact that Telegram holds the decryption key on its server technically means that Telegram could decrypt and read the encrypted content. This poses some risk because if someone breaches Telegram’s servers, your messages and personal information may get into the hands of cybercriminals.

As a response, Telegram has introduced an additional feature for those who want to be extra cautious about online communication – the secret chats.

Also, it’s important to be aware of the latest Telegram scams. Scammers keep finding new ways to trick victims into giving away their data and money.

Does Telegram provide end-to-end encryption?

Telegram offers end-to-end encryption only when you use its secret chat option. The secret chat enables client-to-client encryption, meaning the receiver uses a cryptographic key pair with its counterpart saved on your device instead of Telegram’s server.

This mechanism ensures that no media or files you send or receive via Telegram are deciphered by your internet service provider (ISP), owners of the Wi-Fi routers you connect to, or other third parties. Secret chats are also not part of the Telegram cloud and can only be accessed on the device where the chat took place. This means the content you send remains confidential throughout the message’s transmission and reception.

Take a look at the list of Telegram’s secret chat benefits that help to enhance your privacy and security:

• Uses end-to-end encryption.
• Leaves no trace on Telegram’s servers.
• Supports self-destructing messages.
• Doesn’t allow forwarding of messages.

How long does Telegram store your information?

Telegram records and stores your user data, such as your IP address and device information, for up to 12 months. As a public messaging app, Telegram is bound by law to retain some of your personal data and provide it to the authorities if they have a legal reason to ask for it, for instance, if they are investigating a matter concerning you.

You can find more information on how your data is being collected, stored, and handled in Telegram’s privacy policy.

What cryptography does Telegram use?

Telegram uses a unique encryption protocol called MTProto, which the company established for its proprietary use. The protocol was created specifically to meet mobile messaging needs and handle encrypted messages across different device types.

MTProto uses a mix of cryptographic algorithms, including AES-256 encryption for messages, RSA 2048-bit encryption for cryptographic key exchanges, and Diffie-Hellman key exchange to establish secret chats over unsecured communication channels.

However, security researchers have criticized Telegram for using a relatively new protocol that has passed fewer rigorous security evaluations than the existing, widely accepted encryption protocols. Because MTProto is not an open-source protocol, independent security experts are restrained from continuously examining its security. As a result, this narrows the scope of security vulnerabilities search and detection.

Three secure alternatives to Telegram

Though Telegram is among the most popular privacy-focused messaging apps, you can find its equally secure counterparts. We have prepared a short overview of three other messaging apps that match Telegram’s focus on privacy.

1. Signal

Regarded as one of the most secure messaging apps, Signal offers default end-to-end message encryption and uses an open-source encryption protocol. This means that independent security experts can regularly audit the encryption codes in use and pinpoint vulnerable places to patch. Signal offers a “Sealed sender” feature that disguises the sender’s identity, so it isn’t visible on Signal’s servers.

Using Signal, you can choose a set amount of time after which messages would disappear, blur faces in the photos you send, and enable the “Screen security” feature to block attempts to take screenshots within the app.

For an additional layer of security, Signal prompts you to create a PIN to protect your profile. Each Signal conversation has a unique safety number that serves as a verification for both communicating parties. This messaging app has no trackers or advertisers and collects minimal user data, mainly limited to your phone number.

Regarded as one of the most secure messaging apps, Signal offers default end-to-end message encryption and uses an open-source encryption protocol. This means that independent security experts can regularly audit the encryption codes in use and pinpoint vulnerable places to patch. Signal offers a “Sealed sender” feature that disguises the sender’s identity, so it isn’t visible on Signal’s servers.

Using Signal, you can choose a set amount of time after which messages would disappear, blur faces in the photos you send, and enable the “Screen security” feature to block attempts to take screenshots within the app.

For an additional layer of security, Signal prompts you to create a PIN to protect your profile. Each Signal conversation has a unique safety number that serves as a verification for both communicating parties. This messaging app has no trackers or advertisers and collects minimal user data, mainly limited to your phone number.

2. Wickr

Wickr is a free messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption by default. It allows you to send private, self-destructing text, photos, video, and voice messages to other Wickr contacts. To disguise your actual location, Wickr doesn’t attach geotags to messages or shared media. The platform allows you to set expiration times for your messages, detect screenshots, and block third-party keyboards on iOS.

In addition, Wickr has designed a security feature that helps ensure the authenticity of your connections. Called “Video verification,” it allows you to send a short video clip of yourself to the person you’re communicating with as proof of your identity.

3. WhatsApp

Despite being owned by Facebook, WhatsApp’s default end-to-end message encryption provides a substantial layer of privacy, enhancing WhatsApp’s security. The platform provides security notifications and allows you to control who can see your last “seen,” access your profile photo and information, and who can add you to the group chats. WhatsApp uses local storage, which means it stores your messages on your and the recipient’s devices and not on WhatsApp’s servers. You can also back up your WhatsApp history on Google Drive or iCloud.

Despite WhatsApp’s advantages, you should remain aware that the messaging app is owned by Meta, which is known for users’ data harvesting. Throughout the years, hackers have found ways to use WhatsApp for scams, while Facebook has gotten involved in data leak incidents. In 2021, WhatsApp was fined $255M by an EU privacy watchdog for not explaining how it handled user and non-user data and for sharing it with other Facebook-owned companies. A couple years earlier, in 2018, British consulting firm Cambridge Analytica collected millions of Facebook users’ data for political advertising without their consent.

Comparing secure messaging apps

Each of the four mentioned messaging apps – Telegram, Signal, Wickr, and WhatsApp – are considered a secure online communication option that gives users more privacy. Take a look at the table to compare each of the secure messaging apps:

How to use Telegram securely

Though Telegram may provide more privacy than some of the mainstream messaging apps, it has its limitations when it comes to online security. As you cannot be too careful online, you should consider implementing additional security measures whenever you use Telegram:

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA). By setting up 2FA, you’ll enable a double-layered defense against malicious entities trying to get into your Telegram account. Alongside your password, 2FA prompts you to enter a unique code sent to your device or use your biometric data to unlock the account.
• Use strong passwords. A strong password consists of at least eight characters that combine upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts as well as easily guessable passwords that may include your birth date or common words.
• Adjust the app’s privacy settings. By visiting Telegram’s privacy and security section, you can put a limit on who can see your profile information, phone number, and last seen status.
• Keep the Telegram app up-to-date. Having the latest app version will help you avoid cybercriminals’ attempts to get into your account because you’ll have the latest security and system vulnerability patches.
• Use Telegram’s “Secret chat.” This mode encrypts your messages with end-to-end encryption, significantly lowering the chances of unauthorized interceptions.
• Install a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your online traffic and hides your IP address so that various entities online won’t be able to track your online activities and pinpoint your actual location.