With the right approach, attackers can set up a hidden “listen” for a Telegram user and read all their messages. In such cases, the service can exhibit anomalies that indicate a spy is active in the account. This observation comes from Valery Stepanov, head of the T1 Group Information Security Competence Center at the Prime Minister’s Office, who stresses that awareness is the first line of defense.
Experts note that the primary method of wiretapping involves an attacker logging into the account concurrently from another location. When this happens, the usual push notifications for new messages may disappear from the notification tray on a smartphone or computer, making the intrusion harder to notice. The absence of alerts can mask the presence of an unseen login and set the stage for an extended breach.
Stepanov warns that a telltale sign is when a user deletes a post, yet a following message in a chat shows as already read. This discrepancy can be a red flag, signaling that someone else is reading the account in real time. The user should treat such inconsistencies as a potential security issue and investigate further rather than ignore them.
To verify whether another device is actively connected to Telegram, the user can navigate to the settings area, then to devices, and select the active sessions option. A window will display a list of devices previously linked to the account. If a smartphone or computer name looks unfamiliar, it should be logged out immediately to reclaim control of the account. Regular checks help ensure that only trusted devices maintain the connection, reducing exposure to risks from compromised endpoints.
Preventive measures are essential for blocking parallel sessions. Setting a strong, unique password for the Telegram account is the first step, followed by enabling two-factor authentication. With 2FA enabled, even if a login credential is compromised, the attacker would still face an additional authentication barrier before gaining access. Experts recommend using a time-based one-time password app rather than relying on SMS due to the higher risk of SIM swap attacks.
Beyond device management and authentication, users should stay vigilant about suspicious activity that can signal a breach. Unexplained changes in chat behavior, unusual login times, or notifications arriving from unexpected locations should trigger a security review. Keeping software up to date, enabling system-level security features, and using device-level screen locks contribute to a layered defense. In environments where sensitive information is shared, adopting enterprise-grade security practices, such as account recovery controls and regularly reviewing connected apps, further minimizes exposure to threats.
Historically, Telegram has been part of debates around secure messaging and government restrictions in various regions. While the platform offers end-to-end encryption in certain contexts, it is crucial for users to recognize that security is not absolute and depends on a combination of platform features and user behavior. Therefore, maintaining a proactive, informed stance on account security remains the best defense against unauthorized access and data leakage.