Ways To Protect Your TikTok Account From Hacking

You enjoy scrolling through TikTok, right? Well, back in 2022, a huge data breach hit TikTok, exposing the info of over 2 billion users. This means that even your favorite social media platform is not safe from hackers. 

Many users didn't understand how serious this was until investigators found big security problems.  

But don't panic! Now it is your turn to step up and secure your TikTok account from potential hackers. Let's learn how you can protect your online presence on TikTok from hackers.

Signs That Your TikTok Account Has Been Hacked

If you are concerned about your TikTok account, it is crucial for you to be aware of the warning signs. Hackers often try to hide their tracks or make their actions look like normal glitches.  

Here are some signs to look for:

1. Have you noticed any unauthorized access to your TikTok account?

2. Are there any suspicious activities happening on your TikTok account?

3. Has your TikTok account password or phone number been altered, and now you are not able to login?

4. Are your loyal followers receiving spammy messages from your account?

5. Are you facing difficulties logging into your TikTok account despite inputting the correct login credentials?

6. Has your TikTok account been unexpectedly deactivated without your permission?

7. Have you seen a significant change in your TikTok followers count lately?

8. Have you noticed that your TikTok videos are disappearing without you deleting them manually? 

If your answer to any one or more is yes - your TikTok account is hacked. 

How To Protect Your TikTok Account from Hackers?

We know TikTok is a fun platform, but this makes it a prime target for hackers. Thus, we must stay vigilant on the platform.  

Here are some effective and easy ways to protect your account;

1. Use a Strong Password

You should try to create a password that is at least 12- characters long and a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. You should avoid easy passwords like your name or common words.

Example;

• Start with a memorable phrase like your favorite character, like Monkey D. Luffy from “One Piece” anime.

• Change some letters with numbers or special characters, like M0nk3y I> LuFFy.

You can also consider using a key phrase connected to your daily life.

2. Enable TikTok’s Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

To make your account more secure, you can turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This way, when you log in, you’ll need more than just your password. Think of it as an extra layer of protection.

Here’s how;

• Step 1 - Tap on your ‘Profile’ section and locate the ‘Setting’ option.

• Step 2 - In the ‘Setting,’ click and open “Privacy and Safety.”

• Step 3 - Scroll and click on “Two Factor Authentication 2FA” or “Login Verification”

• Step 4 - After opening, select one of many options, like SMS, email, or Google Authenticator, for verification.

• Step 5 - Once the verification is successful, you’ll receive a message that 2FA is active.

3. Keep Your Account Updated

Keep your account updated to secure and prevent hacking attempts. You can timely update with the latest software versions to ensure your account is not vulnerable at any point in time.

Here’s how;

• Check Updates Manually - You can check regularly for updates on the app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store).

• Enable Automatic Settings- You can also enable automatic updates for your TikTok app. By using this, TikTok will automatically install updates as soon as they are available.

4. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links

Hackers sometimes create fake links similar to real ones to trick users. If you click on those links, you can give your account access to hackers without even realizing it.

Here’s how to avoid it;

• Check Links Carefully - Look for any signs that can be suspicious, like unusual characters. Always open tiktok.com domain links and avoid shortened links. 

• Verify Sources - Don’t click on links from unknown sources. Be careful with links shared by unfamiliar users or accounts acting strangely.

• Watch for Red Flags  - Be alert and look for signs like unexpected pop-ups or urgent requests for personal info. 

• Stay Informed - Learn about common scams and share the knowledge.

5. Monitor Your Account Activity

You should regularly monitor your account to spot any unfamiliar activity. To effectively monitor your TikTok account activity, you can follow these steps;

• Frequently Check Account Activity - Look for changes in profile or unauthorized interactions like comments and likes on others’ videos.

• Enable Notification Alerts - Turn on notification alerts for account logins, passwords, or any significant activity.

• Review Login Locations - Keep an eye on locations from which your TikTok account is accessed. An unfamiliar location can be a sign of hacking.

• Check Followers List - Once in a while check the following and followers of your account. Remove all the unwanted and unfamiliar accounts.

• Monitor Direct Messages - Check for any unusual DM you receive. Hackers can trick you into giving your personal information by sending fake links.

6. Carefully Use Third-Party Apps

To protect your TikTok account from hackers, you need to be work safe while using any third-party apps. Here are a few ways to follow if you need to use third-party apps:

• Limit App Permissions - Carefully check and grant access to specific features or information needed for apps to work.

• Verify App Authenticity - Before connecting to third-party apps, verify if they are genuine. Check reviews, ratings, and feedback from other users.

• Use Official Apps - Only use official apps verified by Google or Apple Store. This can ensure safety as official apps have to adhere to security standards.

• Regularly Review Connected Apps- Check and delete or uninstall apps you no longer use to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

7. Learn About Common Tricks Used by Hackers

By being aware of hackers' tricks and techniques, you can spot potential hacking. Here are some common ones;

• Phishing - You might receive an email claiming to be TikTok asking you to verify your by clicking a certain link. These links are fake and made by hackers to steal your login information

• Brute Force Attacks - Hackers can use automated software to try different combinations on your account until they find the correct one. If your password is easy, like ‘123456’, your account can be easily hacked.

8. Regularly Review Privacy Settings

You need to regularly review your privacy settings to protect your TikTok account from hackers. By adjusting these settings, you can control and minimize your risks. Here’s how you can do it;

• Review Privacy Settings - To get started, you need to open the TikTok app and go to your profile section. Then, find your "Privacy and Safety" section in the settings menu. This is where you can control who can see your content and manage your other privacy options.

• Review Account Privacy - You can either make your profile public (everyone can see or interact with your profile); or private (only people whom you follow can see or interact with your profile). You need to consider which aligns best with your preference.

• Manage Comment Controls - You can choose to get comments from everyone or friends or disable comments. By restricting comments, you can prevent hackers from interacting with your content. 

• Restrict DMs - Choose who can send your DMs. You can allow family, friends, and other close contacts while blocking everyone else. This helps you avoid spam and phishing messages.

9. Regularly Change Passwords

Regularly changing your password can improve your TikTok account’s security. Here’s how you can do it;

• Set a Schedule- You can set a routine for changing your TikTok password. Consider changing it after every few months or when you suspect any unusual activity.

• Avoid Re-using Passwords - Don’t try to reuse your old passwords across other sites. This can increase your chances, as a breach in one account can compromise others. 

• Utilize Password Managers - You can use “Google Password Manager” or any other high-rated password manager to store multiple passwords. These managers offer convenient solutions with high security.

10. Stay Away From Fake TikTok Accounts

By staying away from scammers, you can safeguard your TikTok account from hackers. Here’s how you can do it;

• Verify Account Authenticity- Check if the account is genuine. You can see if they are following or are followers of known persons, family, or friends. 

• Check Username and Handles - Pay close attention to the username. Hackers always try to mimic others by changing a few alphabets or words. So a misspelling or punctuation error can be there.

• Examine TikTok Profile - Genuine accounts generally have detailed profile information. You should see their bio and profile picture. The lack of such information could be a red flag.

How to Recover a Hacked TikTok Account?

So, what can you do if someone tries to hack or has hacked your TikTok account? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to recover a hacked account;

1. Take Immediate Action

The moment you suspect that your TikTok account has been hacked, it's crucial to act quickly to minimize potential damage. Start by logging out of all devices to disrupt any unauthorized access. You can do this through the TikTok settings, typically under "Security" or "Account Management." 

The sooner you log out, the less chance hackers have of changing your profile, stealing sensitive information, or posting inappropriate content. Fast action can be the difference between a quick recovery and a long struggle to regain control of your account.

2. Remove Suspicious Devices

It is critical to remove any strange or unknown devices from your TikTok account to keep it safe. Hackers might use these devices to steal your personal info. By removing those devices, you can stop hackers and protect your account.

Like, if you see a computer or phone listed on your account from an unusual location you didn’t recognize, it could be someone trying to get in. So, you need to go to settings, find the list, and remove the unfamiliar device. 

3. Reset Your Password

If you think your TikTok account has been hacked, you can reset your account password to recover your account. Here’s how you can do it;

• Step 1 - Find the app settings and select the “Change Password.”

• Step 2- After giving the details, TikTok will send a verification code.

• Step 3 - Enter the code and follow the instructions to set a new password.

• Step 4 - Once the new password is set, log in using your new credentials.

Remember to use strong passwords, which are not easy, to improve your account security.

4. Try TikTok Account Recovery

If you have been logged out of all your devices, TikTok account recovery is the best option to gain access. You can just go to the login page on the web or app. After that, you need to select, reset password to change your password.

The only thing you should keep in mind is to update all your account information. Keep your email ID and phone number attached to your account. By using this method, you regain access and security of your account. 

5. Contact TikTok Support

If you are not able to recover your account back even after all the steps mentioned above, your last resort is to contact TikTok support. You need to check the e-mail you require before contacting, as they are region-specific. 

Here are the email addresses you can use as per your region;

• Global: business-servicesupport@tiktok.com

• United States of America: creator-marketplace-support@tiktok.com

• Canada: creator-marketplace-support@tiktok.com

• Europe: eu-creator-marketplace@tiktok.com

• Japan: TCM-JP@tiktok.com

• Outbound: TCMsupportOutbound@tiktok.com

In your email to TikTok support, try to provide as much information as you can give. Try providing details, like proof of unauthorized access or dubious activity. 

Final Thoughts

This guide will help you understand the main security measures you can take to make your TikTok account safe. You will learn to recognize the warning signs of hacking, how you can take action if something goes wrong, and how you can avoid common tricks that hackers use.

Even though your TikTok account is not completely secure, you can lower the risk by following the tips in this guide.  You should always keep in mind that it is up to you to stay informed and take proactive steps to keep your account safe. 

This way, you can use TikTok without worrying about the safety of your account. So, take charge of your TikTok account's safety today and enjoy scrolling, creating videos, and watching videos on TikTok.