TikTok’s security team is currently addressing a vulnerability that allowed hackers to breach several high-profile celebrity and brand accounts on its platform, including those of Paris Hilton, CNN, and Sony. The ByteDance-owned video app has not disclosed the specifics of the attack or the company’s mitigation strategies. However, TikTok has stated that it has implemented measures to halt the attack and prevent future occurrences.
The exploit, first reported by Semafor and Forbes, appears to have been facilitated through malware distributed via TikTok’s direct messages. This malware potentially impacted the account owners’ ability to access their profiles. The hackers’ intentions remain unclear, as none of the compromised accounts had posted any content.
According to Semafor, CNN’s account was compromised last week, leading to its temporary deactivation for several days. The news outlet is collaborating with TikTok to enhance security measures, especially in light of the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.
When approached for further details, TikTok declined to elaborate on the nature of the attack or the specific countermeasures in place, citing concerns about potentially alerting other malicious actors.
“Our security team is aware of a potential exploit targeting a number of high-profile accounts,” a TikTok 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 incidents occur amidst ongoing scrutiny of TikTok’s presence in the U.S. In April, President Biden signed legislation that could compel ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in the U.S. If ByteDance does not comply, it will be illegal for app stores to distribute TikTok once the law takes effect.
TikTok has since initiated legal action against the U.S. government, which is expected to prolong the issue in courts for months. Interestingly, Donald Trump, who initially sought to ban the app during his presidency, has now begun using TikTok as a campaign platform.
