A massive TikTok data breach exposed 428M users’ data via an API exploit. Learn how Often9 hacked TikTok, what data was leaked, and how to protect yourself.

Introduction

In an alarming cybersecurity incident, TikTok has allegedly suffered a massive data breach, exposing 428 million user records. The breach was claimed by a newly emerged threat actor, “Often9”, who reportedly exploited an internal API vulnerability to steal sensitive data.

According to Hackread, the leaked data includes email addresses, phone numbers, TikTok user IDs, usernames, profile details, and more. This breach raises serious concerns about social media security and user privacy.

TikTok, which faced a similar breach in 2020 affecting 2 billion records, has launched an investigation. But the big question remains: Was your data compromised? And if so, what should you do about it?

In this deep dive, we’ll explore:
✔ How the breach happened
✔ Who is behind the attack?
✔ Whether the leaked data is legitimate
✔ How to protect yourself
✔ TikTok’s response and future security measures

Let’s get started.

What Happened in the TikTok Data Breach?

The Exploited API Vulnerability

Often9, the hacker behind the breach, claims they accessed TikTok’s private user data by exploiting an internal API (Application Programming Interface) vulnerability.

APIs are used by apps to communicate with servers. TikTok’s public API is structured to prevent the exposure of private user details, including emails and phone numbers, in most cases. However, Often9 alleges that a flaw in an internal API allowed them to extract this data en masse.

What Data Was Stolen?

The leaked dataset reportedly includes:
🔹 Email addresses (some empty or generic)
🔹 Mobile phone numbers
🔹 TikTok user IDs & usernames
🔹 Profile details (nicknames, bios, avatar URLs, profile links)
🔹 Account flags (verification status, etc.)

Hackread analyzed the data and found that most records weren’t seen in previous breaches, suggesting this leak is new and potentially legitimate.

Who is Behind the Breach?

The Mysterious Threat Actor “Often9”

Little is known about Often9, the hacker or group claiming responsibility. They emerged recently and are selling the stolen data on the dark web.

Possible Motivations

✔ Financial gain (selling data on hacker forums)
✔ Reputation-building (establishing credibility in cybercriminal circles)
✔ Exploiting TikTok’s security flaws for future attacks

TikTok’s History of Data Breaches

This isn’t TikTok’s first security incident:

• Back in September 2020, hackers accessed approximately 2 billion TikTok user records containing sensitive information like IP addresses and device specifications.
• June 2022: Researchers found a flaw allowing account takeovers via SMS spoofing.

With TikTok’s user base exploding past 1.5 billion, cybercriminals see it as a goldmine for potential attacks.

Is the TikTok Data Breach Legitimate?

Evidence Supporting the Breach

✔ Hackread’s analysis found unique data not seen in past leaks.
✔ Often9 provided samples matching real TikTok accounts.
✔ TikTok has confirmed investigating the claims.

Skepticism & Red Flags

❌ Some email/phone fields were empty or generic (could indicate scraped or incomplete data).
❌ No official TikTok confirmation yet.

How to Check if Your Data Was Leaked

1. Visit Have I Been Pwned and enter your email.
2. Use DeHashed to check phone numbers.
3. Monitor for phishing emails claiming to be from TikTok.

Impact on TikTok Users

Risks of Exposed Data

• Phishing attacks (fake emails/SMS asking for passwords)
• Identity theft (using personal info for fraud)
• Account takeovers (if passwords are reused)

Steps to Secure Your TikTok Account

✅ Change your password immediately (use a strong, unique one).
✅ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in TikTok settings.
✅ Check linked social media accounts (revoke suspicious access).
✅ Watch for suspicious activity (unusual logins, messages).

How to Protect Yourself After a Data Breach

1. Update Passwords Everywhere

• Never reuse passwords across sites.
• Use a password manager like Bitwarden.

2. Enable 2FA on All Accounts

• Google Authenticator or Authy are more secure than SMS.

3. Monitor Your Credit & Identity

• Use Experian or IdentityForce for fraud alerts.

4. Beware of Phishing Scams

• Never click “Verify your account” links in emails.

TikTok’s Response & Future Security Measures

Official Statement

TikTok has not yet confirmed the breach but says:

“We are investigating these claims and will take appropriate steps to protect our users.”

What TikTok Should Do Next

🔒 Patch the API vulnerability (if real).
🔒 Notify affected users (as required by GDPR/CCPA).
🔒 Improve security audits to prevent future leaks.

Legal Consequences

• GDPR (EU) & CCPA (California) fines if negligence is proven.
• Potential lawsuits from affected users.

Comparison with Other Social Media Data Breaches

The hard truth? No social network is breach-proof – your digital safety ultimately depends on your own vigilance.

FAQs About the TikTok Data Breach

1. Was TikTok hacked in 2023?

Digital forensics indicate that an entity identifying as Often9 may have illegally obtained 428 million user profiles by exploiting weaknesses in TikTok’s API infrastructure.

2. What should I do if my TikTok data was leaked?

• Change your password
• Enable 2FA
• Watch for phishing emails

3. How can I check if my data was exposed?

Use Have I Been Pwned or DeHashed.

4. Has TikTok confirmed the breach?

Not yet, but they are investigating.

5. Can I sue TikTok if my data was leaked?

If negligence is proven, yes—under GDPR (EU) or CCPA (California).

Conclusion

The TikTok data breach is a wake-up call for social media users. With 428 million records allegedly exposed, the risks of phishing, identity theft, and account takeovers are real.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Check if your data was leaked using security tools.
✔ Secure your TikTok account with a strong password & 2FA.
✔ Stay vigilant against phishing scams.
✔ Demand better security from social platforms.

Your privacy matters—take action today.