How Do TikTok Accounts Get Hacked in 2024?

Every day, hackers are becoming more adept at exploiting the growing interest in TikTok. Their primary strategy is to send deceptive links via direct messages (DMs), often with convincing messages like "Login to TikTok"

2024-01-17

How Do TikTok Accounts Get Hacked in 2024?

How Do TikTok Accounts Get Hacked?

In 2024, the number of hacked TikTok accounts surged, leaving users vulnerable to data breaches and identity theft. With millions of users, TikTok has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Understanding TikTok securityf risks and how to secure your TikTok account is crucial. In this post, we’ll dive into how TikTok accounts get hacked and what you can do to protect yourself from these threats.

Why Is TikTok Security Important for Every User?

TikTok’s popularity continues to grow, but with it comes the increased risk of cyberattacks. A hacked TikTok account can lead to identity theft, loss of personal data, or even financial damage, especially for influencers and businesses. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities, ranging from weak passwords to poorly configured privacy settings.

Ensuring your TikTok account is secure isn’t just about safeguarding personal content; it’s about protecting your digital identity. Two-factor authentication on TikTok, for example, is one of the many ways to bolster your defense against account compromise. But that’s just the beginning.

How Do Hackers Target TikTok Accounts?

There are several ways hackers gain access to TikTok accounts. Some of the most common methods include:

Phishing Attacks

Hackers often impersonate TikTok or well-known brands to lure users into providing their login credentials. Phishing emails may direct users to a fake login page, or they may come as direct messages within the app, asking for sensitive details under false pretenses.

TikTok users must be aware of the different tactics used in phishing campaigns. As noted in a recent phishing-based data breach, even high-level companies can fall victim to these tactics. This highlights how critical user education is in avoiding scams.

Brute Force Attacks

With weak or reused passwords, hackers can perform brute force attacks to guess login credentials. If your password is weak, it’s only a matter of time before it’s cracked.

Malware & Spyware

Malicious software can steal data from your phone, including TikTok login information. One such example is the rise of Android malware like SOVA banking malware, which is capable of stealing app credentials and even performing ransomware attacks.

Exploiting Weak Privacy Settings

Many users don’t adjust their TikTok privacy settings properly, leaving them exposed to threats. Hackers can exploit these loose settings to gather personal information and engage in social engineering attacks.

Securing Your TikTok Account: Preventing Hacks and Enhancing Privacy

Launched in 2016 by the Beijing-based company ByteDance, TikTok is a cutting-edge video-sharing platform that has amassed over 2 billion users worldwide. Its dramatic growth has made it particularly attractive to young people. However, it raises some security concerns, especially with its whopping 315 million installs in the first quarter of 2020 alone. So, how can users safeguard their TikTok accounts from potential hacks?

Every day, hackers are becoming more adept at exploiting the growing interest in TikTok. Their primary strategy is to send deceptive links via direct messages (DMs), often with convincing messages like "Login to TikTok". Another prevalent method involves altering HTTP queries with a Proxy tool to distribute malware-filled messages, often by creating phishing pages. The hackers' repertoire also includes exploiting Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities to run harmful JavaScript codes stealthily.

These hacking techniques allow cybercriminals to modify user's browser cookies and act on their behalf without their knowledge. Their actions may range from deleting or uploading videos, changing private videos to "public", and accessing personal data like email addresses.

TikTok continuously rolls out updates and patches to address these security loopholes. However, it was discovered that TikTok, like 50 other iOS and iPadOS apps, can keep track of user's clipboard information. This poses a significant threat as credit card details and other sensitive information could be copied to the user's clipboard.

To combat this, TikTok has removed access to clipboard information in its latest updates following several complaints and restrictions from various organizations, including the US Navy and Army. But, despite these efforts, TikTok remains an attractive target for hackers due to the valuable information that can be accessed through user accounts.

How Can You Protect Your TikTok Account from Being Hacked?

To protect yourself from a TikTok account hack, you need to adopt a layered security approach. This includes securing your account settings, updating your password policies, and staying vigilant about potential threats. Here’s what you can do:

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Avoid using simple, easy-to-guess passwords. Tools like password managers can help you create and store strong, unique passwords. The importance of password strength is often underestimated, but it plays a vital role in keeping hackers at bay. Consider reviewing some tips on password protection intelligence to avoid this common pitfall.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication on TikTok adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification. This means that even if someone steals your password, they will need access to your phone or email to log in. 2FA is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to secure your account.

Be Aware of Phishing Scams

Stay cautious of suspicious emails, texts, or DMs, especially those asking for login details. Always verify the legitimacy of requests and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Phishing has become a leading threat vector, not just for TikTok, but for all digital accounts. Learning to identify phishing emails can save you from significant trouble—here’s a guide on recognizing phishing emails that can help.

Monitor App Permissions

Regularly check what permissions you've granted to TikTok and other apps on your phone. This will reduce the risk of apps accessing your personal data without your consent, as highlighted in mobile device security.

What Are the Best Practices for Enhancing Your Cybersecurity on TikTok?

TikTok users can minimize security risks by following best practices that go beyond just securing passwords. Here are a few expert-recommended measures:

Regularly Review Your Privacy Settings

Ensure that your privacy settings on TikTok limit who can view your content, send you messages, and interact with your account. Set your account to private, control your comments, and restrict duets and stitches to avoid exposing yourself to unwanted interactions or threats.

Update Your Software

Make sure both TikTok and your mobile device's operating system are always updated to the latest version. Security patches often address vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to breach systems, so it’s crucial to stay ahead with updated software.

Be Mindful of Third-Party Apps

Avoid using third-party apps or services that promise to increase your followers or likes. These can often be a trap where malicious actors gain access to your account. If you're unsure about app safety, learn more about how certain apps can compromise your privacy, like in-app browsers tracking user activity.

Enable Account Recovery Options

Ensure you have recovery options like email or phone number verification activated. This makes it easier to regain access to your account if you suspect it’s been hacked.

Stay Informed

Awareness is your best defense. Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity news and trends affecting TikTok and social platforms. For example, the evolution of security awareness shows how threats are constantly evolving, making it essential for users to remain vigilant.

Further Reading:

Editor’s Note: This blog was updated on 16th December 2024.