Over the last few years, TikTok has exploded in popularity and now has over 1 billion monthly active users. However, with such a massive userbase, the platform has also become a target for hackers looking to steal personal information or take over accounts.
There have been several alleged large-scale data breaches of TikTok, with hackers claiming to have accessed databases with billions of user records. However, TikTok has denied that its systems have been hacked in these instances [1]. Still, the potential remains for individual accounts to be compromised through phishing, password reuse, or other methods.
If your TikTok account is important to you, it’s critical to be aware of the security risks and take steps to lock it down. This article will cover signs your account may be hacked, how to secure it, what to do if you’re hacked, and how to avoid being hacked again in the future.
Signs your TikTok may be hacked
One of the most obvious signs your TikTok has been hacked is a sudden loss of followers, likes, and comments. According to TikTok’s security FAQs, if you notice a significant drop in engagement on your videos, it could indicate suspicious activity on your account. Hackers often go on mass unfollowing or commenting/liking sprees when they take over an account, so be on the lookout for any drastic changes.
You may also notice unusual comments on your videos that don’t match your typical audience or new messages in your inbox with suspicious links or requests. Additionally, if you are suddenly logged out of your account and unable to log back in, your password may have been changed by a hacker with access.
Keep an eye out for any content you didn’t post yourself appearing on your profile page or notifications that you’ve gone live when you haven’t. Strange login locations could also show up under account security settings if your account is compromised.
How TikTok accounts get hacked
One of the most common ways TikTok accounts get hacked is through weak or reused passwords. Many people use the same simple passwords across multiple accounts, which makes it easy for hackers to gain access if that password is leaked in a data breach. Experts recommend using unique, complex passwords for every account.
Another prevalent hacking method is phishing. This involves sending fake emails or links pretending to be from TikTok, tricking users into entering their login credentials on phony sites. These sites capture the username and password entered, allowing hackers to access real accounts. TikTok cautions users to be wary of unsolicited messages asking them to click links or provide sensitive information. Legitimate TikTok emails will use an official tiktok.com address.
According to cybersecurity experts, hackers may also exploit security vulnerabilities in TikTok to hack accounts without needing passwords. However, TikTok claims they have robust security measures in place to detect threats and safeguard user data.
Overall, reused passwords, phishing scams, and potential security bugs open doors for hackers to access TikTok accounts. Using strong unique passwords and avoiding phishing attempts are key steps users can take to secure accounts.
Sources:
https://support.tiktok.com/en/log-in-troubleshoot/log-in/my-account-has-been-hacked
Securing your TikTok account
There are a few key ways to help secure your TikTok account against potential hacking:
Use a strong, unique password – Choose a password that’s difficult for others to guess, but memorable for you. According to TikTok’s security guide, your password should be at least 8 characters long, use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, and not be a password used on any other account.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – This adds an extra layer of security by requiring both your password and a security code sent to your phone to login. TikTok allows setting up 2FA in your account settings. As Kaspersky recommends, 2FA makes your account much harder to hack.
Be cautious of third-party apps – Be wary of any third-party apps requesting your TikTok login, as malicious ones may steal your credentials. Only login via the official TikTok app and website.
Review account activity – Regularly check your account privacy and security settings, as well as account login history, for any suspicious activity.
What to do if you’re hacked
If you believe your TikTok account has been hacked or compromised, take action immediately to secure it. Here are the steps to take:
First, log into your TikTok account and change your password. Make sure your new password is strong and unique – at least 8 characters, with upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information or common words. Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.
Next, check the apps connected to your TikTok account under Settings and Privacy. Revoke access for any unfamiliar third-party apps. Hacked accounts sometimes have malicious apps enabled to access private data.
You can also consider contacting TikTok directly through the in-app reporting option to notify them your account has been compromised. Provide details on unauthorized changes observed. TikTok may be able to reset elements of the account and remove dubious activity.
Additionally, check your profile information, settings, videos, and messages for any unauthorized changes by the hacker. Delete anything suspicious or inappropriate. TikTok recommends changing your username after a hack since it can never be used again.
Going forward, be wary of phishing attempts trying to steal your login credentials. Avoid clicking suspicious links claiming to be from TikTok. Use strong unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication to improve account security.
Recovering a hacked account
If your TikTok account has been hacked, the first step is to try resetting your password. Go to the TikTok login page and click “Forgot password”. You’ll be able to reset your password after verifying your phone number or email address associated with the account. Resetting your password will log out anyone else currently in your account.
If resetting your password doesn’t work, you’ll need to go through TikTok’s account recovery process. In the TikTok app, go to the ‘Me’ page, tap the settings icon, select ‘Report a Problem’ and then ‘My Account Got Hacked’. Follow the prompts to provide details about the account and submit a request. According to TikTok’s help page, it may take up to 15 days to recover your account through this process [1].
As part of recovering your account, TikTok will remove any strange devices, contacts, videos or messages associated with the hacker’s access. You may need to provide proof of ownership such as a verification code sent to your email or phone number associated with the account. If you no longer have access to these, it may be very difficult to recover the account.
If TikTok is unable to recover your account through their process, you may need to start over with a new account and better security practices. Be sure to only login through the official app, use strong unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication.
Preventing future hacks
The most important step you can take to prevent your TikTok account from being hacked again is to use a password manager. Password managers generate and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
We recommend using a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to create and store a long, complex password for your TikTok account. This prevents password reuse and makes your account much harder for hackers to brute force.
Additionally, practice good account hygiene by enabling two-factor authentication on your TikTok account and any connected social media accounts. Two-factor adds an extra layer of security beyond just your password.
You should also remove any suspicious third party apps connected to your account. Only connect apps you fully trust. Review connected devices regularly and remove any unknown logins.
Practicing caution around potential phishing links and emails can also help prevent your account from being compromised. Never enter your TikTok login credentials after clicking on a link from an unknown or suspicious source.
Hacked Account Liability
Even if your TikTok account gets hacked, you are still responsible for all activity that occurs through the account. According to TikTok’s Law Enforcement Guidelines, account holders are liable for any content posted, even by an unauthorized third party who gains access.
If inappropriate, illegal, or infringing content gets posted by a hacker, it’s still your responsibility to have it removed. Failure to do so can lead to your account being banned or legal liability. As stated in TikTok’s Copyright Policy, submitting fraudulent DMCA takedown notices can also incur penalties.
Essentially, you need to stay vigilant about monitoring your account activity and quickly addressing any unauthorized posts. Don’t assume you’re exempt from consequences just because you were hacked. Take prompt action to mitigate any violations and recover your account.
Alternatives if Unrecoverable
If you are unable to recover your hacked TikTok account through TikTok’s account recovery process, there are a couple alternatives:
Make a New Account: You can start fresh by creating a brand new TikTok account with a new username and password. Be sure to enable two-factor authentication for extra security on your new account.
Contact TikTok: As a last resort, you can try reaching out directly to TikTok via their contact form or on Twitter @TikTok_US. Explain your situation in detail and request to speak with someone who can further assist with account recovery. However, there is no guarantee TikTok can recover an account if you’ve exhausted all normal options.
Conclusion
In summary, while getting hacked on TikTok can be stressful, the good news is that there are steps you can take to secure your account and recover it if compromised. Enable two-factor authentication, use strong passwords, and avoid clicking suspicious links. Regularly check your account activity for unauthorized changes. If your account is hacked, act quickly to regain access through verification and by contacting TikTok support. With vigilance and good security habits, you can protect your account and personal information.
The key takeaways are:
- Enable security features like two-factor authentication.
- Create a strong, unique password.
- Don’t click suspicious links or give out your login info.
- Monitor your account activity frequently.
- If hacked, follow TikTok’s account recovery steps.
- Consider adding extra layers of security.
- Be wary of third-party apps requesting excessive permissions.
Staying informed about account security best practices can help you safeguard your TikTok presence and peace of mind. With some preventative measures, you can hopefully avoid becoming the victim of account hacking in the first place.
