With over 1 billion monthly users, TikTok has become one of the most popular social apps in the world. But with exponential growth comes exponential security threats.
Recent statistics paint a grim picture:
- Over 4 million cyberattacks target TikTok daily (CloudSEK)
- 15% of TikTok users have dealt with hacking attempts (Reviews.org)
- 53 minutes – the average time people spend on TikTok per day (Wallaroo Media)
As TikTok usage continues to soar, hackers are zeroing in on accounts to wreak havoc. But with the right safeguards, you can enjoy scrolling worry-free.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll equip you with expert advice to lock down your TikTok and stop hackers in their tracks.
Why You Should Take TikTok Security Seriously
You may wonder – why would anyone want to hack my TikTok? Here are some motivations:
- Post embarrassing or false content from your account – hackers can damage reputations or get accounts banned
- Spread inappropriate videos to large follower bases – especially risky for brand accounts
- Promote crypto/financial scams – hackers leverage accounts with influence
- Harass other users through DMs – vulnerability for bullying and predatory behavior
High-profile accounts with millions of eyes on them are prime targets. But even everyday users are at risk. Getting hacked can mean irrevocable harm.
So how can you tell if your account has been compromised? Here are some red flags:
- Suspicious posts you didn‘t create
- Strange DMs sent from your account
- Followers/following count changes
- Profile information like photo or bio altered
- Logouts from unknown locations
If your account shows any odd activity, change your password immediately and turn on two-factor authentication. Time is of the essence.
Now let’s get into proactive ways to protect your account.
#1 Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Weak, reused passwords are behind 81% of hacking breaches. To keep your account secure:
- Use 12+ characters – longer is stronger to thwart hacking tools
- Add uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols – complexity stops guessing
- Avoid common words or patterns – be unpredictable
- Never reuse passwords – isolated credentials are harder to crack
- Try a password manager app – generates and stores strong passwords
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of security, requiring both your password and a one-time code generated to your phone when logging in.
#2 Beware of Phishing Ploys
Phishing is a sly tactic hackers employ, luring users to input account credentials on fake login pages.
Watch out for:
- Emails asking you to login – TikTok never handles account issues this way
- Password reset links you didn‘t initiate
- "Verify your account" links – a common phishing ruse
Spelling errors, odd URLs, and unfamiliar sender addresses are other indicators of phishing attempts. When in doubt, manually open the TikTok app or website to check notifications vs clicking shady links.
#3 Lock Down Linked Accounts
Hackers can infiltrate linked platforms like Facebook or Instagram as a gateway into your TikTok account.
Use strong, unique passwords and 2FA on all connected social profiles. Limit linking between accounts to only necessary ones.
Carefully vet any third-party apps you authorize to access your TikTok data. Revoke permission to unused or sketchy apps.
#4 Secure Associated Devices
Practicing device hygiene protects your TikTok login credentials stored on them. Steps like:
- Using antivirus/malware software
- Avoiding public WiFi for logins
- Regularly updating your device OS and apps
- Not storing passwords in notes
Enabling device encryption and remote wipe capabilities also safeguard your mobile data.
#5 Monitor Your Account Closely
Vigilantly check your TikTok profile, posts, messages, followers, and settings periodically for anything signaling a hack. For example:
- Profile photo/bio changes
- Lost followers/following
- New videos you didn‘t post
- Strange DMs from your account
Proactively scrubbing your account activity makes spotting hacks easier. Know your normal.
#6 Seek Help ASAP if Hacked
If your worst fears come true and your account is compromised, immediately contact TikTok support through the app to recover it. Also change passwords on linked accounts that may be affected.
Remove any inappropriate content the hacker shared from your profile. You can overcome the violation by taking swift action.
Key Takeaways to Lock Down Your TikTok
Securing your TikTok boils down to vigilance and common sense:
- Unique passwords and 2FA everywhere
- Avoiding phishing traps
- Monitoring activity closely
- Seeking help promptly if hacked
While hackers seek to capitalize on the platform‘s popularity, you can use TikTok safely by following these tips.
With focus on security fundamentals and awareness of new threats, we can work together to enjoy TikTok while keeping data where it should be – in our control.
