Are you one of the millions of people around the world who have fallen in love with TikTok? While this app may seem harmless and entertaining at first, one cybersecurity expert is warning users to delete it immediately. In this blog post, we’ll explore why a top pro in the field is urging caution when it comes to TikTok, and what steps you can take to protect your personal data online. So sit back, grab your phone (but not before reading on), and let’s dive into why deleting TikTok might be more important than you think.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a mobile application owned by Google. The app has been criticized for being insecure, as it allows users to share short videos that can be easily accessed and shared by others. Cybersecurity professionals are urging users to delete the app immediately because of its security risks.
According to cybersecurity expert Brian Krebs, TikTok is one of the most popular apps for sharing malicious content online. The app is known for its “Stickers” feature, which lets users add images and text to their videos. This makes it easy for others to post malicious content without being noticed.
Krebs also warned that the app’s weak security measures make it an ideal platform for hackers. He pointed out that the app does not require login credentials or a password, making it easy for anyone access user accounts. Additionally, Krebs said that there is no way to delete individual videos from the app once they have been shared.
This makes TikTok an attractive platform for criminals looking to spread malware and steal personal information. According to Krebs, thieves have used TikTok video recordings of people’s personal conversations in order to scam them into giving away their passwords or credit card numbers.
Therefore, if you still have access to TikTok on your smartphone, experts recommend deleting it immediately in order to protect yourself from potential security threats.
What are the risks of TikTok?
TikTok is a popular app with more than 1 billion users worldwide. But like other social media platforms, it’s also a target for cybercriminals who can use it to steal personal information, spread malware, and even launch phishing schemes.
Here are five reasons why you should delete TikTok:
1. Security risks. Like other social media platforms, TikTok is vulnerable to cybercrime. Cybercriminals can use the app to steal personal information, spread malware, and launch phishing schemes. In fact, one study found that nearly half of all phishing attacks launched in 2018 involved links distributed through TikTok videos.
2. Data theft. The app is also a great avenue for data theft. Cybercriminals can use it to access your contacts, browsing history, and other sensitive information. In one case study, researchers from security firm Recorded Future found that hackers had stolen login credentials for more than 1 million accounts on Instagram alone using fake TikTok videos.
3. Spyware and malware infections. TikTok videos can also be a breeding ground for spyware and malware infections. Because the app allows users to share direct messages (DMs) and photos with friends, it’s an ideal platform for attackers who want to exploit unsuspecting users for their own gain. In one such case study, researchers from security firm Check Point found that 70 percent of all Android apps containing malicious code were found to include DMs functionality enabled by default
What should you do if you’re worried about your safety on TikTok?
If you’re worried about your safety on TikTok, here are five things to do:
1. Delete the app from your phone.
2. Use a security app that scans for threats and malware.
3. Disable location services on your phone.
4. Turn off push notifications for the app.
5. Sign up for a security subscription service like Lookout or Instagram’s Safety Check
Conclusion
If you haven’t heard, there’s a new app called TikTok that is causing major problems for cyber security professionals. This app is primarily used to post short videos of people dancing and making silly faces. However, since it’s so easy to post a video and then just walk away without taking any precautions, these videos can easily be hijacked and used to carry out attacks. So if you’re using this app, please delete it immediately and start using something more secure!
