Discussions around end-to-end encryption in messaging apps are becoming increasingly common as a current trend. This technology ensures that even third-party servers cannot access encrypted messages. However, recent reports have also emerged that question the infrastructure of some applications. So, how robust is this system in today's apps? Do you think end-to-end encryption will become the standard in the future, or are existing systems reliable enough? We’d love to hear your different perspectives.
How secure is end-to-end encryption in Telegram?
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I've also been noticing news about end-to-end encrypted messaging apps lately, especially with constant warnings about not trusting third-party servers. Even though I haven't tried them myself, knowing that software needs to be constantly updated against security vulnerabilities means I have to be extra careful when using them.
Recently, I had a sensitive conversation with a friend on Telegram. It was a group chat, and the topic was quite important. After our discussion, I realized that Telegram was using end-to-end encryption (Secret Chats). My friend asked, "Can no one access these messages?" I replied, "Yes, as Telegram claims, third parties cannot access them, not even the messages on Telegram's servers—they are encrypted too."
A few days later, my friend called me and said, "Are you sure? Because I have some suspicions about my account, and..." Fortunately, when I checked the devices linked to their account, there were no signs of unauthorized access, but it still made me a bit uneasy.
In my opinion, no matter how good end-to-end encryption is, the human factor can always pose a risk depending on how the app is designed. For example, if the user's account security is weak or if someone gains physical access to their device, the encryption may not be as effective. Perhaps more secure systems will be developed in the future, but for now, it's wiser to follow basic security rules rather than relying on third-party applications.
I remember a project I worked on with a client—a custom chat app for a group of entrepreneurs. Needless to say, end-to-end encryption was non-negotiable for us. While testing the app, we ran various scenarios to ensure files were encrypted before users sent messages. Funny enough, one user was about to send an extremely sensitive project file, and our app showed the "secure" indicator—but I had a gut feeling something was off. In the end, just to be thorough, we had a third-party audit, and sure enough, the app sometimes grabbed the wrong encryption keys for files. Luckily we caught it, or our users would’ve been compromised. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to only trust brands that actually *deliver* on end-to-end encryption.