TikTok has confirmed that its security team is addressing an issue that allowed hackers to target several high-profile celebrity and brand accounts on its platform. Among the affected accounts were those belonging to Paris Hilton, CNN, and Sony. While TikTok did not disclose specific details about the nature of the attack or the mitigation techniques employed, the company assured that measures have been taken to stop the attack and prevent future occurrences.
The malicious attack, initially reported by Semafor and Forbes, involved malware transmitted through TikTok’s direct messages, potentially affecting account owners’ access to their profiles. The hackers’ motives were not immediately clear, as none of the compromised accounts had started posting content. In some instances, accounts were targeted but not fully compromised before TikTok intervened.
Semafor reported that CNN’s account was breached by a hacker last week, causing the account to be taken down for several days. The news organization stated it was collaborating with TikTok to implement additional security measures to protect the account, especially during the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.
When asked for further details, TikTok declined to elaborate on the nature of the attack or its countermeasures to avoid “tipping off” potential malicious actors.
“Our security team is aware of a potential exploit targeting a number of high-profile accounts,” a company spokesperson said. “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.”
These attacks occur at a time when TikTok’s influence in the U.S. is being scrutinized. In April, President Biden signed a bill that will force TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. If ByteDance does not sell TikTok, it will become illegal for app stores to distribute the app when the law takes effect.
In response, TikTok has sued the U.S. government over the legislation, likely prolonging the legal battle for many months. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, who was the first to attempt to ban the app in the U.S., has now taken to TikTok to campaign.
As TikTok navigates these security challenges and regulatory pressures, it remains committed to protecting its users and maintaining the integrity of its platform. The company continues to work closely with affected account owners to ensure their security and restore access as needed.
