In the digital era, Telegram has become one of the most widely used communication platforms, with over 500 million active users. This application offers robust encryption, secret chats, and the ability to create private groups and channels, features that, while beneficial for protecting privacy, also represent a significant challenge for digital investigators.

The secure and often anonymous nature of Telegram has made it a haven for illegal activities and dangerous communications. From coordinating disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks to selling stolen personal data, Telegram has established itself as a key space for cybercriminals. In this context, the ability to investigate and obtain evidence within this platform has become essential for any cybersecurity team.

Let’s explore in depth the challenges that Telegram presents for digital investigation, the methodologies and tools needed to overcome these challenges, and how Escolta Digital PANDORA emerges as a comprehensive solution to address these complex tasks.

Telegram was designed with security and privacy as fundamental pillars through a network of decentralized servers in different countries, where information is distributed in such a way that it would not be possible to obtain a single source or server for intervention. It is characterized by its encryption technology and cloud system, which allows access to all Telegram account content on any device, without the need to make a backup on the same device, except for Secret Chats, which generate a KEY or key on the same device. Therefore, in the case of these types of chats, if the device is formatted, suffers severe damage, or the device’s operating system is damaged, the conversation would be irrecoverable.

Not only that, but unlike other messaging applications, Telegram allows users to send self-destructing messages, create secret chats that leave no trace on the company’s servers, and encrypt their communications end-to-end. These features have made Telegram the preferred platform for those seeking to protect their conversations from surveillance, which will always be necessary to guarantee social peace and National Security.

Secret Chats in Telegram are one of the most attractive features for those seeking end-to-end encryption, which means that in theory, only the participants in the conversation can read the messages. Additionally, messages in secret chats cannot be forwarded and can be set to self-destruct after a certain period. This level of security makes it difficult to collect evidence, as the messages or content will only be available from the mobile device and/or tablet itself.

Telegram allows the creation of groups with up to 200,000 members and broadcast channels where only administrators can post. These groups and channels can be public or private. Private groups and private channels are particularly problematic for investigators, as access to them is usually restricted through invitations or secret links. This limits the visibility of the activities carried out within these spaces.

The security, but above all the anonymity, of Telegram has attracted a variety of users, including those involved in illicit activities. The sale of drugs, arms trafficking, distribution of child pornography, and planning of cyberattacks are just a few examples of how Telegram is used in the world of digital crime.

Cybercriminals use Telegram to coordinate cyberattacks due to its encryption and ability to keep communication secure. From groups that sell DDoS attack toolkits to channels where exploits and vulnerabilities are shared, Telegram has become a hub for cybercrime.

Digital black markets have found a safe haven in Telegram. Through private groups and channels, cybercriminals sell everything from stolen personal data, illicitly obtained images and videos predominantly of women, girls, and adolescents, to illegal services such as on-demand ransomware attacks. Telegram’s ability to facilitate these transactions without leaving visible traces for investigators has increased the complexity of digital investigations.

To investigate on Telegram, it is crucial to access groups and channels where illegal activities are suspected to occur. This may require infiltrating these spaces, which involves obtaining invitation links or being added by an existing member. Once inside, it is necessary to conduct continuous monitoring to capture messages before they self-destruct or are deleted by administrators.

Once inside the groups or channels, the collection of evidence must be meticulous. Investigators must capture messages, images, videos, and other types of data that can be used as evidence. It is crucial to maintain the integrity of these data, documenting their origin and ensuring that they are not modified during collection.

The use of specialized tools is essential for conducting effective investigations on Telegram. These tools must be able to overcome the privacy and security barriers that the platform imposes.

Digital forensic analysis tools allow investigators to capture and analyze Telegram data in a secure manner. These tools must be able to access data in real-time, obtain evidence, and messages from chats, without compromising the security of the investigations.