prompter: is telegram secure?

assistant: Assuming you are referring to the messaging app named Telegram, by default it is not secure. You must remember to manually create a "secret chat" any time you want your communications to be end-to-end encrypted, a feature that many other messaging platforms use by default. Because this must be done manually for each chat, it is easy to forget, which can result in some chats being left unprotected. For groups chats, Telegram does not support end-to-end encryption at all.

For secret chats using end-to-end encryption, Telegram uses its own propriety encryption protocol called MTProto. Though MTProto is open source, it is only used by Telegram, meaning it receives less testing than other widely-used encryption protocols. Some experts have criticized MTProto's design, suggesting it lacks important features provided by other common forms of encryption.

Overall, while Telegram is not secure by default, it may be secure enough for the average user when using secret chats. But it is probably less secure than some alternatives.

prompter: What are some more secure alternatives? Should I use signal, WhatsApp, Molly or something else in the event that the other use doesn't secure the chat on their end?

assistant: Unfortunately, despite the protective features the platform boasts, you have to consciously arm your Telegram account with encryption and use secret messages with every new chat for any solid protection.

prompter: Does that mean Telegram is no secure? I am not sure what you want to show with the secret messages.

assistant: Telegram is a messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption for its "Secret Chat" feature, which means that the messages are encrypted on the sender's device and can only be decrypted on the recipient's device. This provides a high level of security and privacy for users who want to keep their conversations private.

However, it's important to note that not all messages sent on Telegram are end-to-end encrypted. Regular chats and group chats on Telegram are not encrypted by default, and while the app does offer an optional "Secret Chat" feature with end-to-end encryption, it's up to the users to enable this feature and ensure that their conversations are secure.

Additionally, while Telegram's end-to-end encryption is generally considered secure, there have been some concerns raised about the app's security in the past. In 2019, for example, a security researcher discovered a vulnerability in Telegram's desktop app that could allow attackers to access users' messages and files.

Overall, it's important to be aware of the security features and limitations of any messaging app you use, including Telegram. While the app does offer some level of security and privacy, it's up to the users to take precautions and use the app responsibly to ensure that their conversations and data are secure.

assistant: Hi

assistant: Telegram the messaging app employs end-to-end encryption so that no intermediate parties (like Telegram the company or your ISP) knows about the content of any chat messages. Only the message sender and recipient knows the content of the message.

Telegram is open source. Their source code can be audited for a correct implementation of the aforementioned end-to-end encryption, and compared against official build of the app.

Note that the following scenarios may not match your definition of secure depending on your threat model. None of them are inherent to Telegram and no messaging apps would have realistic protections against such attacks:

- Message is encrypted only between the two ends. It is not encrypted on your phone nor the other side's. Any malware installed on either devices would expose your messages to attackers. Likewise, unofficial Telegram builds may carry security-compromising components not present in the official release.

- If the person you are messaging with is malicious or being impersonated, you may reveal confidential information to third parties through Telegram chat.

- Telegram accounts are tied to phone numbers. If you lose your phone number or other people can intercept your SMS, attackers may be able to hijack your Telegram account. Two factor authentication provided by Telegram help mitigate this risk.

- You may be "persuaded" through force or threat to allow attackers have access to your phone.

- When facing state actors, the fact that you are using Telegram for any reason could be ground for further investigation.

prompter: Is Telegram safe?