Telegram: encryption and data protection explained
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The popular messenger Telegram is known for its good encryption and data security. We will clarify the details and show you settings with which you can make Telegram even more secure.
Telegram: end-to-end encryption
A big advantage of Telegram over Whatsapp is that you don't have to enter your mobile number. Your messages are also protected by end-to-end encryption.
- The data between server and client and between client and client are encrypted.
- A symmetrical 256-bit AES encryption, an RSA 2048 procedure and a Diffie-Hellman key exchange procedure are used as encryption.
- You have the option of activating the two-stage registration in order to be able to authenticate the access of other devices beforehand. This way, nobody but you can read your chats.
- Unlike WhatsApp, you can log in with a user name and hide your number in Telegram. You can also bypass server storage in secret chats.
- There is even the option of having the recipient delete messages automatically after a while.
- Decryption keys are stored on servers all over the world, meaning no one can ever get full access.
- Telegram is partly open source, so that at least some of the processes can be traced.
Take further safety precautions
There are several ways to make Telegram even more secure. For example, if you already create a user name when registering, you will not be asked to enter a number.
- Select a user name in the settings (Settings or three-bar menu and then there on user name) so that you can be found via the ID and not via the telephone number .
- You can also share the link to the name "//t.me/YourName".
- For secret chats, click the three bars to open the menu. There you can choose "New Secret Chat".
- The recipient must confirm receipt since the chat is not saved in the cloud.
- If you tap the stopwatch in the text field (iOS) or the profile picture (Android), you can set a timer, after which the messages are deleted.
- If you want to check whether the " secret key " is correct, you can have it checked in the menu behind the recipient's profile picture.
- The two-step authentication can be found in the settings under "Privacy and security". It is intended to prevent someone from logging into your account on another device without your consent.
Telegram security concerns
Although data is stored on different servers and there are anonymous accounts, there are doubts about security even at Telegram.
- One drawback is that contact information is stored on a server. This will allow you to see which of your contacts is using Telegram, but will lose some control over your contact information.
- Access to your contacts can also be prohibited, so you have to ask your contacts if they are using Telegram. Allegedly, it is still possible to identify users with anonymous numbers via a contact in the address book.
- Stiftung Warentest criticized the opaque corporate structure.
- Telegram says it reports "suspects of terrorism" to security agencies. However, the term is not defined in more detail.
In the next practical tip, we will clarify whether Telegram is free.