Telegram Security 101: A Quick Guide

Telegram is one of the most widely used messaging apps, especially in the crypto world. With over 1 billion active users worldwide, scams are rampant. From investing schemes to impersonation to downright harassment, it’s easy to fall victim. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the easiest ways to protect your telegram account and keep yourself safe online.

1. Enable Two-Step Verification (2FA)

Adding an extra layer of security, Two-Step Verification requires a password on top of the SMS code you get during login.

Steps to activate:

1. Open Telegram and navigate to Settings.
   
2. Select Privacy and Security.
   
3. Tap on Two-Step Verification.
   
4. Set a strong, unique password.
   
5. Optionally, add a recovery email.

This ensures that even if someone obtains your SMS code, they cannot access your account without the password

2. Set a Strong Passcode Lock

Protect your chats from unauthorized access by setting a passcode lock. This will cause a lock icon to appear above your chat list. This means that every time you open the Telegram app, you’ll enter your passcode, so no one can access your chats but you.

To set up:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
   
2. Tap on Passcode & Face ID.
   
3. Create a strong passcode that’s at least 6 numbers or 12-15 characters for an alphanumeric.
4. Face ID can be used, but it’s generally best practice to do a numeric or alphanumeric passcode instead.

This ensures that even if someone has physical access to your device, they cannot read your messages without the passcode. 

Note: If you forget your passcode, you’ll need to log out or reinstall the app. All secret chats will be lost.

3. Use Secret Chats for Confidential Conversations

While regular Telegram chats are encrypted, they are stored on Telegram's servers. For end-to-end encryption, use Secret Chats, which are device-specific and not stored in the cloud, so no one can see them, not even Telegram’s staff. 

To initiate a Secret Chat

1. Open the chat with the desired contact.
2. Tap on their name at the top.
3. Tap the “More” options button at the top right.
4. Select Start Secret Chat

4. Enable Self-Destructing Messages

For added privacy, set messages to auto-delete after a specific time. This includes photos and videos in any chat.

To activate in Secret Chat:

1. In a Secret Chat, tap the clock icon.
   
2. Choose the desired time interval.

To enable for all chats:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
2. Tap Auto-Delete Messages.
3. Choose the desired time interval or set a custom time.

This feature ensures sensitive information doesn't linger longer than necessary.

5. Monitor Active Sessions

Regularly check which devices are logged into your Telegram account to detect any unauthorized access. Delete any that are unfamiliar immediately.

To review active sessions:

1. Go to Settings > Devices (if you’re on mobile) or Active Sessions (if you’re on the desktop app).
   
2. Review the list of active sessions.
   
3. Terminate any unfamiliar or unused sessions.

6. Manage Privacy Settings

Review your privacy settings to control who can see what when you’re chatting with them. For instance, you may not want everyone you chat with to be able to see your telephone number. Additionally, telegram syncs your contacts to suggest connections, but this may raise privacy concerns.

To manage privacy settings:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
2. Scroll down to the Privacy section.
3. Adjust each of the settings to your preferences.

To disable contact syncing:

1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > Data Settings.
   
2. Toggle off Sync Contacts.
   
3. Optionally, tap Delete Synced Contacts to remove previously synced data.

This step limits Telegram's access to your personal contact list.

7. Be Cautious with Bots

While bots can enhance functionality, they may pose security risks. Bots do not use end-to-end encryption and can access messages sent to them. Malicious bots can even be designed to steal your personal information or redirect you to fake phishing sites.

Best practices:

• Only interact with bots from trusted sources.
  
• Avoid sharing sensitive information with bots.
  
• Regularly review and remove unnecessary bots from your chats.

Exercise caution to maintain the integrity of your private conversations.

8. Stay Alert to Scams and Phishing Attempts

Scammers may impersonate contacts or official accounts to extract information or lure you into other schemes.

Tips to avoid scams:

• Verify the identity of contacts by a secondary communication method, especially those requesting sensitive information.
  
• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages with links or attachments, and do not ever click them before verifying why they were sent, or running it through a tool like VirusTotal.
  
• Report suspicious accounts to Telegram.

Awareness is your first line of defense against malicious actors. With Telegram being so popular, it’s a perfect hunting ground for those who want to steal your information or money.

9. Keep Updated & Clear Your Cache

Keeping your device and apps updated is a best practice overall. Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities and introduce new features. Additionally, clearing your Telegram cache periodically helps free up disk space and get rid of unnecessary attachments. Don’t worry, all media will stay in the Telegram cloud and can be re-downloaded if you need them again.

To ensure you're up-to-date:

• Enable automatic updates on your device through your device’s Settings.
  
• Periodically check the App Store or Google Play Store for updates.
  
  • Telegram will also notify you in-app when an update is available. 

To clear your cache:

1. Go to Settings > Data and Storage.
2. Click Storage Usage.
3. Click Clear Entire Cache.

10. Disable Auto-Download of Media

Photos, videos, and files are great places for hackers to hide malicious malware. If you allow Telegram to auto-download these items, it could allow this malware to make its way onto your phone, causing all sorts of problems. There was even a confirmed issue of this in 2024 with the 'EvilVideo' vulnerability. Thankfully, this vulnerability has been patched, but it's a good idea to disable this feature anyways, just in case.

With this disabled, you will have to tap or click on a piece of media to view and download it. In addition to preventing malware, this will also help free up storage space on your device and reduce your data usage for when you're not on WiFi.

To disable auto-download:

1. Go to Settings > Data and Storage.
2. Toggle off Auto-Download Media.

‍

Final Thoughts

While Telegram offers built-in security features, it can easily be enhanced by users. Remember, keeping yourself safe online is ultimately up to you. By implementing the steps outlined above, you can significantly boost your privacy and protect your communications. Stay informed and proactive to make the most of Telegram, and most importantly, have fun! 

If you have concerns about your personal or your organization’s cybersecurity, Resonance is here to help. Book your FREE consultation today and take the first step toward unbeatable protection.