Even when Telegram is not installed or being used, it allows hackers to send malicious commands and operations remotely via the instant messaging app.” The malware itself is not spread by Telegram messages—which its why, as Check Point says, it doesn't matter whether you have it installed or not.

Is Telegram really secure?

Telegram does offer a level of security and protection to its users. However, while end-to-end encryption is offered by default for every chat on WhatsApp and Signal, it is only provided for secret chats on Telegram. Telegram's secret chat option can also only be held between two people and group chats are excluded.

Can Telegram be hacked?

Even when Telegram is not installed or being used, it allows hackers to send malicious commands and operations remotely via the instant messaging app.” ... Telegram brings several benefits to attackers and their campaigns—primarily that the platform is known and trusted and so will evade many defences.