Make your Telegram secure with TOR
Why Telegram is not as secure as you think
User Data Storage and Privacy Policy
Telegram retains user data, encompassing usernames, IP addresses, and device information, on its servers.
According to the platform’s privacy policy, this data is only shared with authorities when compelled by a court order related to terrorist activities.
However, recent incidents have highlighted the potential risks of data breaches, with user information making its way onto the dark web.
People Nearby Feature
One of Telegram’s distinctive features is People Nearby, allowing users to discover individuals in close proximity, extending beyond their existing contacts.
Notably, this feature has demonstrated vulnerabilities, potentially exposing precise location data to hackers. To enhance security, users are advised to disable the People Nearby feature.
Open-Source Nature and Encryption
Telegram employs its proprietary MTProto protocol for message encryption, and the code behind it is undisclosed. To bolster security, users are encouraged to rely on established cryptography libraries rather than developing custom solutions, which may introduce significant security flaws.
How can we make it safe?
Telegram Secret Chats
It provides such features as:
Encryption shield: Only you and the recipient can see messages, thanks to end-to-end encryption. Telegram won’t be able to read your messages.
Self-destructing secrets: Set a timer, and chats vanish without a trace, leaving worries behind.
No sneaky forwarding: No worries about private messages spreading — forwarding from Secret Chats is blocked.
Screenshot? Busted! Get notified if someone tries to capture a screenshot, keeping your content secure.
Use a VPN to shield your IP address
What is TOR?
TOR, short for The Onion Router, is free and open-source software for enabling anonymous communication. It directs Internet traffic via a free, worldwide, volunteer overlay network that consists of more than seven thousand relays.
Telegram Desktop
- Download and run TOR Browser on your computer, download here.
Note: TOR Browser should be running to route your Telegram traffic.
2. Open your Telegram and click “Settings”
3. Click on “Advanced”, then select “Connection type”.
4. Here, we need to add our proxy. Click on “Use custom proxy”.
5. Connect your Telegram to TOR.
6. If everything was successful, you should see an ‘Online’ status under your proxy.
Smartphone steps
On your smartphone, the steps are almost the same, except we will use the OrBot app, and the port will be 9050.
- Download OrBot from the App Store or Google Play (if you are an Android user). Make sure it’s running.
2. Open your Telegram and navigate to “Settings” > “Data and Storage”. Scroll down a bit, and you will find “Proxy Settings”. Click on that.
3. In the “Proxy Settings” panel, click on “Add Proxy” and set the following values.
4. Check if everything was successful; you should see a “Connected” status under your proxy.
5. Experience the security you deserve
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Stay safe!
