TikTok is a Chinese-based and owned social media app that has gained immense popularity among young people worldwide, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app allows users to create short videos and share them with others, but there are growing concerns about the cybersecurity risks associated with using TikTok.
Earlier this week, the Canadian government announced its restriction of TikTok on government-issued mobile devices. The move reflects the growing security concerns over the video-sharing app as a conduit for espionage, election tampering, and personal data theft.
Here are some concerns:
Data privacy: One of the main concerns with TikTok is its data collection practices. In addition to location data, device information, and browsing history, the app collects large amounts of user data; data could be accessed by malicious actors or used for nefarious purposes.
Malware: In 2020, researchers discovered a malicious app plotting through TikTok. User data from a universal clipboard, including login credentials and payment details, was stolen. Malware is a dire concern for TikTok users, as it can compromise their personal information and potentially lead to identity theft.
Cyberbullying: The app’s popularity has made it a prime target for cyber bullies, who can use it to harass and intimidate other users. Cyberbullying can have serious mental health consequences for victims and can lead to reputational damage.
In February 2022, Public Safety Canada organized a panel titled Online Dangers: Cyberbullying and Online Child Sexual Exploitation to raise awareness about cyberbullying in Canada. The panel found that children and young adults that spend time on YouTube are most likely to be cyberbullied (79%), followed by Snapchat (69%), Tiktok (64%) and Facebook (49%).
The app has built-in tools for reporting cyberbullying and other forms of harassment. If you experience cyberbullying, take screenshots of the offending content and report it to TikTok’s support team.
Foreign influence: A Chinese company, ByteDance, owns TikTok. This has raised concerns about the potential for foreign influence, such as spreading propaganda and espionage. Concerns exist that foreign governments could manipulate millions of users’ data and influence infrastructure operations.
User-generated content: TikTok is a user-generated platform, meaning users are responsible for creating and sharing content. There is a risk that users may inadvertently share sensitive information or engage in inappropriate behaviour. TikTok has introduced content moderation measures to address these concerns, but there is still a risk that inappropriate content could slip through the cracks.
Protect yourself when using TikTok
Protecting yourself on Tik Tok isn’t different from protecting yourself on any social media platform. However, it is beneficial to continue prudency.
Use strong and unique passwords: As with any online account, it’s essential to use an able-bodied and unique password when creating your TikTok account. Avoid using simple or easily guessable passwords, such as “123456” or “password.” Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Limit personal information: Be cautious about your personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your home address, phone number, or financial information. You should avoid sharing your location in real-time, as scammers can use this to track your movements and make you vulnerable to potential threats.
Be aware of potential scams: Scammers often use social media platforms like TikTok to trick users into providing sensitive information or downloading malicious software. Be on the lookout for potential scams, such as fake giveaways, requests to click on links, or suspicious messages from unknown users.
Be cautious when interacting with strangers: As with any social media platform, you should be cautious when interacting with strangers. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know. Be wary of users who try to initiate private conversations. Report them immediately if someone makes you uncomfortable or asks for personal information.
Keep your app and device up to date: Keeping your device updated with the latest security patches and updates can help protect against potential security vulnerabilities. Regularly check for updates and install them as soon as they become available.
While removing the app completely from their phones can be an option, there are concerns about its ties to other apps that TikTok can plug into to access users’ personal data. You can still be tracked online in many ways, even without the TikTok app. The only other concern is that many apps plug into TikTok and vice versa, so they can still get information on you from other sources.
But you should take action now to protect yourself and others from social media scams! Adopt cyber-safe best practices year-round, such as monitoring and avoidance. Remember, we at https://www.cyologylabs.com are here to help.
Download our mobile app, FRAUDSTER, available on Apple and Android, and educate yourself about consumer concerns and adequate protection against scammers. Act now and learn more at www.FraudsterApp.com!
If you’ve already downloaded the FraudsterApp, click the training icon on the home screen to learn to protect yourself. In the meantime, be a part of the solution by sharing online security tips.
