Several high-profile accounts on TikTok, including CNN and Paris Hilton's, were hacked.
The exact method used by the malicious actors to gain access to these accounts is not clear at this time.
This incident comes as TikTok faces increased scrutiny and potential regulation due to concerns over its ties to the Chinese government and data security.
TikTok's security team became aware of the potential exploit targeting brand and celebrity accounts and has taken measures to stop the attack.
In a recent cybersecurity incident, several high-profile accounts on the social media platform TikTok were targeted and compromised. Among those affected were the accounts of CNN and reality TV star Paris Hilton, according to multiple sources.
TikTok's security team became aware of the potential exploit targeting brand and celebrity accounts and has taken measures to stop this attack from continuing. The company is working directly with affected account owners, including CNN, to restore access if needed and implement enhanced security measures.
The exact method used by the malicious actors to gain access to these accounts is not clear at this time. However, it appears that the hackers were able to spread malware through TikTok's direct messaging feature without requiring users to click on any links or download anything.
This incident comes as TikTok faces increased scrutiny and potential regulation due to concerns over its ties to the Chinese government and data security. In April, a law was passed in the United States that requires ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to divest from the app or face a ban.
Despite these challenges, TikTok remains a popular platform with over a billion global users. It is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the platform and monitoring for any further inauthentic activity.
TikTok is addressing a cyber-attack that targeted several brands and celebrities.
A 'very limited' number of TikTok accounts were compromised.
Compromised accounts included those of CNN and reality TV star Paris Hilton.
CNN is collaborating with TikTok to restore account access and implement enhanced security measures.
TikTok is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the platform and monitoring for further inauthentic activity.
Accuracy
Only a very small number of accounts were compromised in the attack.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority and a potential false authority fallacy. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction presented in the context of TikTok's security.
. . . TikTok said it is addressing a cyber-attack that targeted several brands and celebrities.
It added that it was working with users to restore access to their accounts.
TikTok did not share further details on the perpetrators of the cyber-attack, or how it was carried out.
Malicious code is taking over accounts on TikTok, compromising the official accounts of celebrities and brands, including CNN.
TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek stated that the security team is aware of a potential exploit targeting brand and celebrity accounts, and measures have been taken to stop this attack and prevent it from happening in the future.
In summer 2023, TikTok acknowledged that as many as 700,000 accounts in Turkey had been compromised due to the company’s use of insecure SMS channels for its two-factor authentication.
In 2022, Microsoft discovered another vulnerability in the TikTok app that allowed hackers to overtake accounts with a single click.
TikTok’s security and privacy practices have been at the center of lawmaker concerns that the Chinese government could direct its Chinese parent company ByteDance to use the app to spy on Americans or influence what messages they see.
In April, an law was passed that requires ByteDance to divest from the app or see it banned in the United States. TikTok and ByteDance have challenged this bill in court.
Accuracy
Malicious code is taking over accounts on TikTok, compromising the official accounts of celebrities and brands, including CNN.
TikTok is addressing an account takeover campaign targeting high-profile users through its direct message feature.
Sources believe unidentified threat actors are spreading malware that allows hackers to take over accounts without victims clicking on any link or downloading anything.
Accounts affected include CNN’s TikTok account, Paris Hilton’s account, and a Sony brand account.
Accuracy
Major accounts on TikTok, including CNN, Sony, and Paris Hilton, were hacked on Tuesday.
Malicious code is taking over accounts on TikTok, compromising the official accounts of celebrities and brands
TikTok identified a cyberattack targeting high-profile accounts
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(95%)
The article reports on TikTok's efforts to address an account takeover campaign targeting high-profile accounts. The author does not commit any logical fallacies in their reporting of the situation. However, there are some instances of inflammatory rhetoric used by Forbes and Semafor when they mention specific victims, such as CNN and Paris Hilton.
]Forbes and Semafor have confirmed that CNN's TikTok account was taken over.[
The hackers also targeted the account of Paris Hilton[
