Experts have expressed concern about the security of the Telegram messenger due to the limited number of engineers, the lack of end-to-end encryption by default and the preservation of user data.
Worrying Doubts
Alarming Facts
Pavlo Durov, the founder of the popular messaging application Telegram, said that in the company about 30 engineers work. This fact has caused quite a stir among security experts, because such a small number of developers may be critically insufficient to ensure adequate protection of a platform with almost a billion users.
Optional Encryption
Unlike Signal or WhatsApp messengers, Telegram chats by do not have end-to-end encryption by default. To activate this feature, users have to specifically turn on the "Secret Chat" mode, which makes messages inaccessible to anyone but their recipient.
Questionable Cryptography
For a long time, there were doubts about the quality of Telegram encryption, as the company uses proprietary encryption algorithm developed by Pavel Durov's brother. This circumstance increased the distrust of many experts in the reliability of ensuring the confidentiality of messages in this messenger.
Data Accumulation
Telegram stores a large amount of data of its users, because it is not only a messaging application, but also a social network. TechCrunch calls Telegram one of the most popular platforms for people working with cryptocurrency, spreading misinformation, as well as extremists and hackers.
Risky State
According to experts, this accumulation of data makes the platform an extremely attractive target, and the small number of Telegram employees calls into question their ability to withstand hacker attacks, especially those that can be supported by governments. In addition, the company lacks the resources to deal with abuse and content moderation.
Glossary
- Pavlo Durov - founder of the Telegram messenger
- Signal - a popular messenger with end-to-end encryption
- WhatsApp is a messaging application from Meta
- TechCrunch - an authoritative technology publication
Links {{16} Questions answered
How many engineers work at Telegram?
According to Telegram founder Pavel Durov, his company employs about 30 engineers, which has caused concern among security experts, because this may not be enough to properly protect the platform with almost a billion the audience Do Telegram chats have end-to-end encryption by default?
No, Telegram chats do not have end-to-end encryption by default like Signal or WhatsApp. To enable full end-to-end encryption, users need to activate the Secret Chat feature. Why are there doubts about the quality of Telegram encryption?
Doubts about the quality of Telegram's encryption arise from the fact that the company uses its own encryption algorithm, developed by Pavel Durov's brother, and not generally accepted open standards. What data does Telegram store about its users?
Because Telegram is not only a messenger but also a social network, it stores a lot of data about its users, which experts say makes the platform an attractive target for hackers and others intruders Why do experts believe that Telegram cannot provide adequate security?
Experts say that Telegram's small workforce (about 30 engineers) puts into question the company's ability to withstand hacking attacks, especially by government-backed hackers. Also, Telegram lacks resources for proper legal support, anti-abuse and content moderation.
How many engineers work at Telegram?
Do Telegram chats have end-to-end encryption by default?
Why are there doubts about the quality of Telegram encryption?
What data does Telegram store about its users?
Why do experts believe that Telegram cannot provide adequate security?
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Discussion of the topic – Telegram: security risk due to lack of engineers?
According to a TechCrunch article, Telegram has about 30 engineers, which has raised concerns among security experts about the messenger's security.
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Андрій
It is rightly said that Telegram is not completely secure 📢 Although it has a separate function for encrypted chats, by default all messages are not end-to-end encrypted. And their own implementation of encryption raises a lot of doubts from security experts 🤔
Ольга
If they only have 30 engineers, that's too few to support and protect a messenger with a billion users 😮 They won't even be able to handle moderation and anti-abuse on the platform 🚫
Валерій
To be honest, I have always considered Telegram to be more secure than other popular messengers. But now that I've learned about their small team and their own implementation of encryption, I'm starting to have my doubts 🤔 Maybe I should reconsider my beliefs.
Євген
It's no wonder that Telegram has become popular among hackers and extremists 🕵️♂️ If they cannot provide adequate security, then criminals will use this platform for their own purposes. I would not recommend storing sensitive information there.
Ігор
I think it's just a fabrication by competitors to smear Telegram 🙄 I've been using it for years and never had any security issues. Of course, better protection is never superfluous, but I see no reason to panic.
Емануель
I have long since switched to other, more secure messengers such as Signal or WhatsApp 🔐 Telegram stores too much user data and this makes them vulnerable to information leaks. If you have something valuable, it is better not to store it in Telegram 🚫
Марта
I think they just can't keep up with the rapid growth of users 🚀 But I hope they take the criticism into consideration and hire more security professionals to make the platform more secure. Because Telegram is a really convenient and popular messenger 💬
Северин
Hmm, I once worked in a small IT company with only 25 developers 👨💻 And we barely had time to handle all the tasks and security. So I understand the challenges Telegram might face with their small team. It's hard, but they have to work on it 💪