A new malicious code has appeared on TikTok, affecting the accounts of CNN, Paris Hilton, and other popular pages, writes Engadget. Western publications believe that it can be an exploit—a piece of software code or a sequence of commands that use vulnerabilities in software and are intended for attacks on a computer system.
Distribution and Impact
The code is distributed via private messages and requires no download, click, or any form of response other than opening the chat itself. It is currently unclear how many accounts are affected. According to the media, hacked accounts do nothing and do not publish content. It is not yet clear who is behind the attack or their motives.
TikTok is aware of a “potential exploit targeting brand and celebrity accounts,” the company said in a statement published by The Verge. The social media giant also says it is working with affected account owners to restore access. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first major TikTok hack, reminds NIXSolutions. In 2023, the company acknowledged that around 700,000 accounts in Turkey had been compromised through insecure SMS channels linked to two-factor authentication. The recurrence of such incidents underscores the need for enhanced security measures on social media platforms.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available. TikTok users, especially those with high-profile accounts, are advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.