🔐 Known Telegram Desktop security concerns and user issues

1. Has Telegram Desktop ever been involved in known security vulnerabilities?

Answer:

Yes, Telegram Desktop has been subject to various vulnerabilities over the years. One prominent example occurred in 2017 when researchers discovered that specially crafted Unicode file names sent through Telegram Desktop on Windows could be used to mask malware as legitimate files. When users opened these files, malware could be executed unknowingly. Telegram responded by fixing the issue promptly. While Telegram’s developers actively patch security flaws, users are advised to be cautious with file sh... Malware Disguised via Telegram Unicode Bug – Kaspersky

2. Does Telegram Desktop offer end-to-end encryption for chats?

Answer:

Telegram Desktop does not offer end-to-end encryption for regular cloud-based chats. End-to-end encryption is only available through Telegram’s “Secret Chats” feature, which is currently not supported in the desktop application. This means that messages sent via Telegram Desktop are encrypted during transmission and while stored in the cloud, but they are accessible to Telegram’s servers. Users seeking true end-to-end encryption on desktop must look to other applications or use the mobile version for ... Telegram FAQ on Secret Chats

3. Have there been any breaches or mass leaks involving Telegram Desktop?

Answer:

While Telegram itself has not been directly involved in massive data breaches of its own infrastructure, its desktop clients have occasionally been used as vectors for malware campaigns. In some cases, unofficial or trojanized versions of Telegram Desktop were distributed with malicious code, compromising users who downloaded these from untrusted sources. This emphasizes the importance of always downloading Telegram Desktop from the official website or reputable sources. Malicious Telegram Installers – BleepingComputer

4. Are there risks associated with session hijacking on Telegram Desktop?

Answer:

Yes, Telegram Desktop stores login sessions locally on the machine, and if an attacker gains access to the device, they can potentially extract session data and hijack the account. While this is a local risk rather than a remote vulnerability, it underscores the importance of securing physical devices and not leaving Telegram Desktop logged in on shared or public machines. Enabling two-step verification can help mitigate risks, although it primarily protects new login attempts rather than active sessions. Telegram Security Whitepaper

5. Has Telegram Desktop been flagged by antivirus tools?

Answer:

There have been rare instances where Telegram Desktop has triggered antivirus warnings, usually due to heuristic detection or false positives related to installer behavior. More commonly, attackers have disguised malware as Telegram Desktop installers to trick users. These cases are not faults of the official Telegram application but rather a result of impersonation. Always verify the file’s digital signature and source before installation. Telegram Trojan Installer Case – Palo Alto Networks

6. What can users do to secure their usage of Telegram Desktop?

Answer:

To use Telegram Desktop securely, users should follow best practices including:

• Download the application only from clean and trusted sites such as updatestar.com or the official Telegram website.
• Enable two-step verification in Telegram settings.
• Regularly review active sessions and log out from devices that are no longer used.
• Avoid opening files or clicking on links from unknown contacts.
• Keep the application updated to benefit from the latest security patches.
• Use strong OS-level passwords and encryption to protect stored session data.

Taking these measures will greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access or malicious interference with Telegram Desktop.