Los Angeles, CA – TikTok users should take a moment to check their account security settings as the platform introduces a new security feature aimed at enhancing user protection against hacks and suspicious activity. The feature, called Security Checkup, was announced in a company press release on Monday, urging users to take proactive steps to safeguard their accounts.
Security Checkup is now accessible through Settings and Privacy > Security and Permissions within the TikTok app. Once inside, users are guided through a checklist of security measures designed to strengthen account safety and prevent unauthorized access. TikTok’s move signals a growing emphasis on digital security, especially as social media platforms continue to face threats from cybercriminals targeting user accounts.
Among the recommended security steps, TikTok encourages users to link both an email address and a phone number to their accounts, ensuring they have a backup login option if they lose access. Additionally, two-step verification (2FA) is now emphasized, requiring users to enter a secondary authentication code when logging in from an unrecognized device. Users are also advised to review and remove old or suspicious devices that may still have login access, preventing unauthorized access to their accounts.
Another notable feature within Security Checkup is the option to enable passkeys. This allows users to log in without needing a traditional password, instead using biometric authentication methods such as Face ID or a PIN code. TikTok has also confirmed that it continuously monitors for suspicious activity and will flag any anomalies within the Security and Permissions hub, allowing users to take immediate action if anything seems off.
Interestingly, TikTok’s Security Checkup tool is inspired by Google’s security feature, which offers a similar step-by-step account protection guide. However, while Google’s version focuses on third-party connections and saved passwords, TikTok’s is primarily centered on login security, unauthorized access prevention, and suspicious activity monitoring.
This new feature rollout follows TikTok’s recent introduction of a Wind-Down Mode, which helps curb excessive late-night scrolling by playing calming music when users open the app after 10 p.m. These updates come at a time when TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain. Earlier this year, President Trump extended the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell the platform to an American entity, pushing the potential ban deadline to April 5. The fate of TikTok remains a hot topic in political and tech circles, as ByteDance negotiates potential deals that could determine whether the app will continue operating in the U.S.
Despite the political uncertainty, TikTok is moving forward with enhanced security measures that prioritize user safety and account protection. With billions of users worldwide, social media platforms have become major targets for hackers, phishing attempts, and unauthorized access. The introduction of Security Checkup reinforces TikTok’s commitment to keeping user accounts secure while educating its community on best security practices.
Users are encouraged to update their security settings and take advantage of the new security features as soon as possible. Whether it’s enabling two-step verification, reviewing connected devices, or activating biometric passkeys, these updates are designed to make it harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
As social media security becomes a bigger concern, TikTok’s Security Checkup is a welcome addition for users who want to ensure their data and content remain protected. The feature is now rolling out globally, and TikTok urges users to check their security settings today to take full advantage of these enhanced protections.