Telegram is aware of these implications and has implemented several features to enhance security:
Two-Step Verification (Cloud Password): This is the most crucial defense against SIM swapping. By setting a strong cloud password and linking a recovery email, even if an attacker gains control of your phone number, they cannot log into your Telegram account without that additional password.
In-App Code Delivery: For logins, Telegram often sends verification codes directly to your active Telegram app session on another device, rather than solely via SMS. This bypasses SMS vulnerabilities if you have other active sessions.
Active Sessions Management: Users can see and remotely terminate all active logins (Settings > Devices or Settings > Privacy and Security > Active Sessions), allowing them to kick out unauthorized users immediately after a suspected compromise.
Login Alerts: Telegram sends immediate notifications to your existing sessions about new login attempts, allowing you to react quickly if it's not you.
Anonymous Numbers via Fragment: Users telegram number database can now purchase unique, anonymous blockchain-based numbers via Telegram's Fragment platform (starting with +888 prefix). This allows creating a Telegram account without linking it to a traditional, carrier-provided phone number, thus completely circumventing SIM swap risks associated with personal numbers.
setting: As described above, this allows users to prevent their profile from being found by their phone number, even if someone obtains it elsewhere.
In conclusion, Telegram's phone number system is a double-edged sword. While it provides essential benefits for unique identification, spam prevention, and account recovery, it also exposes users to vulnerabilities like SIM swapping, which are inherent to any phone-number-based service. Telegram actively mitigates these risks with strong privacy settings, robust 2FA, and alternative anonymous numbers, but users must still take responsibility for configuring their security settings and protecting their primary phone number to ensure maximum safety.Telegram Privacy: Your Phone Number and Visibility.