TL;DR
Both WhatsApp and Telegram offer end-to-end encryption, but they differ in how it’s implemented and their overall security features. Telegram’s default settings aren’t as secure as WhatsApp’s. For most office communication, WhatsApp is generally the better choice due to its stronger default encryption and focus on privacy. However, Telegram *can* be made more secure with Secret Chats.
Understanding the Basics
Both apps use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) which means only you and the recipient can read your messages. But there are important differences:
- WhatsApp: E2EE is always on for all personal chats by default, using the Signal protocol – widely considered very secure.
- Telegram: E2EE isn’t on by default. You need to use “Secret Chats” which are separate from regular cloud-based chats. Regular Telegram chats are encrypted in transit and at rest on their servers, but not end-to-end.
Step-by-Step Security Guide for Office Use
- WhatsApp Setup (Recommended)
- Ensure all team members have the latest WhatsApp version installed. Updates often include critical security fixes.
- Enable two-step verification in Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification. This adds an extra layer of protection with a PIN.
- Regularly check connected devices (Settings > Linked Devices) and remove any you don’t recognise.
- Telegram Setup (If using Telegram)
- Crucially: Only use “Secret Chats” for sensitive office communication. These are indicated by a padlock icon in the chat header.
- To start a Secret Chat, open a contact’s profile and select ‘Start Secret Chat’.
- Be aware that Secret Chats aren’t stored on Telegram servers and can only be accessed from the device where they were initiated. This means no backup options are available.
- Understanding Data Storage
- WhatsApp: Backups to Google Drive or iCloud are not end-to-end encrypted by default. Consider the security implications of storing backups in the cloud. You can enable end-to-end encrypted backups, but it requires a password you must remember.
- Telegram: Regular chats are stored on Telegram’s servers. While they claim strong server-side security, this means your data is potentially accessible to them (and theoretically, governments). Secret Chats aren’t backed up at all.
- Security Best Practices for Both Apps
- Be wary of suspicious links or attachments: Phishing attacks are common on both platforms.
- Enable disappearing messages (where available): This limits the lifespan of sensitive information. WhatsApp allows you to set a timer for message deletion. Telegram Secret Chats also have self-destruct timers.
- Verify contact keys (advanced): Both apps allow you to verify the encryption key with your contacts, but this is complex and rarely used in practice.
- Checking Encryption Status (WhatsApp)
You can manually verify a contact’s encryption key:
Open the chat > Tap Contact Name > Encryption. You'll see a QR code and a 60-digit number. Compare this with your contact to confirm it matches. - Telegram Command Line Interface (CLI) Security Check (Advanced)
If you are using Telegram’s CLI, ensure the client is up-to-date and configured securely.
telegram-cli --versionRegularly review your configuration file for any unusual settings or potential vulnerabilities. This requires technical expertise.
Key Differences Summarised
| Feature | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| Default Encryption | Always On (E2EE) | Off by Default (Cloud-based encryption) |
| Secret Chats | Not Applicable | Available, E2EE but not cloud backed up. |
| Data Storage | Cloud Backups (optional, not default E2EE) | Server-side storage (regular chats) / No storage (secret chats) |
| Security Protocol | Signal Protocol | MTProto (proprietary) |