Why Telegram Might Be Unsafe?
Millions of users around the world still prefer Telegram to communicate, sharing messages that are intended to remain private, comfortable, and secure. As such, it shares the same security challenges as any other platform, which may be used to launch a myriad of threats to users. By understanding these threats, users are able to tread this platform cautiously. Today, we will discuss those main reasons about why Telegram might be unsafe for some.
1. Not All Chats are End-to-End Encrypted Another major disadvantage of using Telegram is that not all of its chats are protected by end-to-end encryption. To encryption Telegram uses during the regular communication between the client and the server:The messageEncryption type to encryption used in other messaging platformEncrypted on clientEnd to endYesMessage forwarded if the recipient leaves the chatYesMessage forwarded if the sender leaves the secret chat channelNoMessage will disappear after sender deleteNoOnly in secret chat only. The way this is set up means that Telegram can read the contents of the messages - and that raises the chances of hackers being able to exploit the servers should they ever be hacked, or of the company being compelled to hand this data over to authorities.
2. Cloud-Based Architecture—Telegram stores all our chats on their servers, which in turn helps users to access their messages from any number of devices easily, However, at the same time, your chat data will be stored on their servers forever as long as you do not delete your chat. A hacker has an opportunity to hack this single point of system and in addition it can be obtainable with legal requests, meaning a chance for user privacy beingcompromised.
3. Mobile Phone Numbers: Because creating a Telegram account involves registering with a phone number, if an identity is otherwise comprised, this acts as a single point of failure. The above requirement is a huge security loophole that users can use to perform SIM swapping attacks{An attack in which an attacker takes control of a person's phone number in order to breach security of his/her TELEGRAM Account and Data}
4. Custom Encryption Protocol: Telegram uses its custom encryption protocol called MTProto and cryptography experts has already scrutinized and criticized it, also doubts had been roll-out regarding its true nature. Telegram might be insecure than other major tools like Signal due to the lack of transparency and peer-reviewed security that is up to the level of MTProto, methods that are already quite well standardized in the industry.
5. A Double-Edged Sword: User Error However, into every life a little rain must fall, and the downfall of the complexity available in privacy settings can sometimes open the door to user error. These settings may even go on to expose the users to vulnerabilities as a whole if users are not completely sure as to how they must make use of these settings. For instance, neglecting to implement an end-to-end encryption strategy means that sensitive communications are at high risk to be compromised.
6. With third-party bot capabilities, Telegram also offers great functionalities, but this does not come without security risks. Not all of these bots are safe or are in fact designed to record and misuse the data of the users.
For more information on possible security exploits in Telegram (and ways to securely utilize the app), take a look at telegram不安全.
Conclusion Telegram comes with different features which make it possible for users to have more privacy and control over their messages, but those same features can be a double edge sword that can compromise your privacy if poorly used. There are ways to protect your chat from being read through the front door of Telegram, but please know the keys are with the company and all of their forms of encryption are vulnerable to insiders and nation-state attackers. By following these measures you will be able to prevent most of the threats and to use Telegram safely.