The security team at TikTok claims to be fixing a bug that let hackers attack a number of well-known brand and celebrity accounts on the video app, including those of Sony, CNN, and Paris Hilton.
It appears that malware was sent over TikTok's direct messages as part of the malicious attempt, which was previously reported by Forbes. This could have impacted the account owners' access to their TikTok profiles.
Since none of the impacted accounts had started to publish anything, the hackers' intentions were not immediately apparent. In certain instances, TikTok stepped in to prevent the accounts from being compromised even though they were the hackers' aim.
It is suggested for the time being, you should refrain from opening any direct messages you get if you have downloaded TikTok to your phone.
Semafor claims that a hacker gained access to CNN's account last week, forcing the account to be pulled offline for a few days.
The news outlet declared that it was collaborating with TikTok on extra security protocols to guarantee the account's safety in the coming days, particularly over the US presidential elections.
Spokesperson Alex Haurek told Forbes: "Our security team is aware of a potential exploit targeting a number of brand and celebrity accounts. We have taken measures to stop this attack and prevent it from happening in the future. We're working directly with affected account owners to restore access, if needed."
Haurek went on to say that the business had discovered "very small" numbers of compromised accounts, but he would not provide an exact figure or details about how TikTok was safeguarding any exposed accounts.
This isn’t TikTok’s first case with hacking. Over the past couple years, TikTok has seen numerous hacks.
In the summer of 2023, TikTok revealed that the company's use of unreliable SMS networks for two-factor authentication had resulted in the breach of up to 700,000 accounts in Turkey. The incident happened not long before Turkey's hotly disputed presidential polls.
