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Blog entry by Shrikant Ardhapurkar

Telegram Forensic

Telegram Forensic

Telegram Forensic and Cyber Crimes

In India every cybercrime ends at Telegram App, The investigation officer has no clue after Telegram, It’s a very big step taken by France Govt so why not Indian Government, Telegram Pavel Durov CEO, Durov was arrested 24-Aug-2024, in France on criminal charges relating to an alleged lack of content moderation on Telegram, which allowed the spread of criminal activity.

Why Telegram forensics

Telegram forensic refers to the analysis and extraction of digital evidence from the Telegram messaging app. This process is vital in criminal investigations, cybersecurity incidents, or corporate disputes, where Telegram may be involved. Forensic experts aim to recover and analyze messages, media files, metadata, and user activity from the app, often using specialized tools and techniques.

Here are key steps and concepts involved in Telegram forensics:

  1. Data Acquisition
  • Mobile Device Acquisition: Telegram stores data locally on users’ mobile devices (Android, iOS), so forensic experts often extract data directly from the device using tools like Cellebrite, Oxygen Forensics, or Magnet AXIOM.
  • Cloud Data: Telegram uses a cloud-based system to store messages and media, so accessing cloud data might be necessary, though it is encrypted.
  • Desktop Applications: Telegram desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux can also store local data, including chat histories and media.
  • Session Logs: Investigators can retrieve session data to identify when and where the app was accessed.
  1. Data Extraction
  • Local Storage: Telegram stores data in SQLite databases, JSON files, and cache folders on local devices. Extracting these files can reveal messages, contacts, and media files.
  • Decryption: Telegram employs end-to-end encryption for its Secret Chats, so decrypted message recovery from these is usually difficult unless the decryption keys are available (i.e., device-level access).
  • Metadata: Metadata, such as timestamps, IP addresses, or geolocation (if enabled), can provide valuable information about message timing, location, and interaction between users.
  1. Analysis
  • Message Recovery: Forensic tools can help recover deleted messages or logs, depending on whether the data was completely overwritten.
  • Media Files: Analysts can extract photos, videos, voice notes, and documents sent via Telegram.
  • Timeline Reconstruction: By analyzing timestamps, an investigator can create a timeline of a suspect’s Telegram activity, such as when messages were sent or received, or when the app was accessed.
  • Deleted Data: Depending on device and app configurations, deleted Telegram messages or files can sometimes be recovered, particularly if they are still in cache or backed up.
  1. Tools for Telegram Forensics
  • Cellebrite: Widely used for mobile device data extraction, including from Telegram.
  • Oxygen Forensic Detective: Provides comprehensive tools for Telegram analysis, including data decryption and message extraction.
  • Magnet AXIOM: Can extract Telegram data from both mobile and desktop versions, analyzing messages, media, and logs.
  • UFED (Universal Forensic Extraction Device): Commonly used for extracting data from mobile devices, including apps like Telegram.
  1. Challenges in Telegram Forensics
  • End-to-End Encryption: Telegram’s Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption, making message recovery challenging without access to the device.
  • Cloud-Based Architecture: Telegram stores much of its data in the cloud, and accessing it may require legal processes (e.g., warrants) or direct user access to an active session.
  • Data Retention Policies: Telegram has specific data retention policies, and deleted messages (non-Secret Chats) may be stored only temporarily.
  • Jurisdictional Issues: Telegram’s servers are distributed globally, which can create challenges in obtaining data due to differing legal jurisdictions.
  1. Legal Considerations
  • Warrants: In some cases, investigators may need court orders or search warrants to compel the release of Telegram data stored on servers or to seize a suspect’s device.
  • Compliance with Privacy Laws: Telegram forensics must comply with privacy laws, including data protection regulations like GDPR.

We welcome and open for all telegram related Investigation at Crypto Forensic Technology.

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