TikTok has released new cyber safety guidelines and a cybersecurity toolkit called “TikTok Summertime Safety Tips” in collaboration with ConnectSafely, the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), and the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA).
As part of its ongoing efforts to encourage people to #BeCyberSmart, the platform developed five essential rules to help users stay safe online:
- Surf smart – Use caution when connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi on the go. Be sure to set strong, unique passwords on all accounts, and enable 2-step verification for an added layer of security.
- Keep it all in the family – Check out TikTok’s easy-to-use safety and privacy controls with tools to customize your online experience.
- Catch the right fish – Phishing is a tactic used to trick people into giving up personal information. Avoid opening, downloading, or clicking links and attachments from unrecognized senders.
- Leave no trace – Keep all devices and apps updated with the latest software and offload unused apps. Before trading in devices, back up personal data like photos or videos, and erase all content and settings to keep personal information private.
- Play, watch, and learn together – Download apps, watch videos, play games, and stay engaged as a family to foster camaraderie across generations.
TikTok also recommends reading its New User Guide for more detailed instructions on using TikTok safely and accessing its privacy and security features.
In addition, TikTok has developed an in-app Discover page dedicated to Summertime safety advice, which will provide various fundamental safety tools and security suggestions from popular TikTok creators and professionals.
The TikTok cyber toolkit
TikTok is also developing an individual cyber toolkit for families in collaboration with the GCA. GCA shares TikTok’s commitment to cybersecurity and privacy, collaborating with over 100 partners worldwide to build cybersecurity solutions that work for everyone.
Individuals and families can use this free, step-by-step approach to develop solid cybersecurity practices.
GCA President and CEO Phillip Reitinger said, “With its global and vibrant community, TikTok provides a powerful platform for spreading cybersecurity awareness and ‘how to’ knowledge at scale, as we work to achieve our commitment to building a safer, more secure world.”
TikTok is a video-sharing social media app launched in 2017 as the international version of the popular Chinese platform ‘Douyin’ by Beijing-based tech startup ByteDance.
According to Statistica, TikTok increased its first-time installs by nearly 400 percent year over year and reached 740 million new users in 2021 following the acquisition of Musical.ly in 2018.
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.