Company announces new partnership with
HaystackID and OnDefend to further security of the TikTok U.S.
platform and app
CHICAGO and JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, TikTok U.S. Data
Security Inc. (USDS) is further enhancing the security of TikTok
users' data and protection against cybersecurity threats by
appointing HaystackID and OnDefend to serve as Independent Security
Inspectors (ISIs) for USDS.
This new collaboration builds on TikTok USDS' ongoing
partnership with Oracle. In May 2022,
TikTok created a new organization called TikTok U.S. Data
Security (TikTok USDS) as part of its ongoing Project Texas Plan.
This special purpose subsidiary is staffed by U.S.-based employees
(with some exceptions in the U.K. and Australia to provide global coverage). USDS
controls access to protected U.S. user data, content
recommendation, and moderation systems in the secure Oracle Cloud.
This structure brings heightened focus and governance to TikTok's
operations in the U.S. including data protection policies and
content assurance protocols to keep U.S. users and their
data safe and ensure users have an authentic experience on
TikTok.
Expanding on this established focus, HaystackID and
OnDefend with additional support from Mandiant
Consulting will serve as the ISIs for USDS. This collaboration
is designed to ensure the security and integrity of the TikTok app,
its source code, user information, and the U.S. platform as a
whole, highlighting TikTok USDS's commitment to meeting stringent
cybersecurity standards.
HaystackID is a specialized data services company solving
business data challenges related to legal, compliance, regulatory,
and cyber events. OnDefend is a trusted cybersecurity service
provider helping organizations prepare for and defend against
real-world threats. Mandiant Consulting is recognized by
enterprises, governments, and law enforcement agencies worldwide as
the market leader in threat intelligence and expertise gained on
the frontlines of cybersecurity.
The ISIs will identify potential security risks to U.S. users
through technical security testing and validation of the TikTok
U.S. platform. This will be a continuous initiative, not a point in
time assessment, as TikTok's ability to deliver a seamless
experience to its users is achieved
through a sophisticated architecture involving hundreds
of thousands of microservices.
"Through Project Texas, TikTok USDS is already well ahead of any
peer companies in terms of how we secure users' data and by
providing unparalleled transparency by making our source code
available to a third-party for review," said Andy Bonillo, Head of TikTok-U.S. Data
Security. "Keeping our users' data safe involves
constantly innovating and looking around corners for new threats.
The partnership we're announcing today will further our ability to
anticipate and prevent emerging and sophisticated cybersecurity
threats."
"Supporting TikTok USDS in their critical mission to safeguard
digital security marks a consequential affirmation of our efforts
to enhance the cybersecurity standards and data protection efforts
of our clients," said Hal Brooks,
CEO of HaystackID. "Our role as Independent Security Inspector
is to provide comprehensive support in reinforcing TikTok USDS's
initiatives to maintain the highest levels of digital integrity. We
are excited about the opportunity and look forward to contributing
to this initiative with national security implications."
Chris Freedman, CEO of
OnDefend, discussed the proactive strategy implemented in this
collaboration: "Our advanced security testing team, in conjunction
with our proprietary Breach and Attack Simulation platform,
BlindSPOT, will play a crucial role in identifying and addressing
vulnerabilities within the TikTok application and network
infrastructure. Moreover, our rigorous application and network
penetration testing standards aim to ensure that the platform's
security strictly complies with national and global cybersecurity
standards, identifying potential vulnerabilities while reinforcing
trust and safety in the digital ecosystem."
Price McDonald, Senior Manager, Mandiant
Consulting added, "In this effort, our team is focused on
providing security assessment services. Continuous penetration
testing enables organizations to proactively manage their cyber
risk in a rapidly changing threat landscape. This provides a number
of benefits including early vulnerability detection, a reduced
attack surface, and improved efficiency in responding to
threats."
Shawn Belovich, Senior Vice
President of Digital Forensics and Cyber Incident Response at
HaystackID and former Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at
the White House, addressed the initiative's alignment with
national security priorities. "In my previous role at the White
House, I had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding
of the intricacies of national security and data protection. I look
forward to leveraging this experience. We are intensely focused on
ensuring TikTok USDS's infrastructure is not only secure but also
in strict adherence to the heightened standards of cybersecurity
and national security compliance directives."
About HaystackID®
HaystackID solves complex data
challenges related to legal, compliance, regulatory, and cyber
events. Core offerings include Global Advisory, Data Discovery
Intelligence, HaystackID Core® Platform, and AI-enhanced Global
Managed Review powered by its proprietary platform, ReviewRight®.
Repeatedly recognized as one of the world's most trusted legal
industry providers by prestigious publishers such as Chambers,
Gartner, IDC, and Legaltech News, HaystackID implements innovative
cyber discovery, enterprise solutions, and legal and compliance
offerings to leading companies and legal practices around the
world. HaystackID offers highly curated and customized offerings
while prioritizing security, privacy, and integrity. For more
information about how HaystackID can help solve unique legal
enterprise needs, please visit HaystackID.com.
About OnDefend
OnDefend, established in 2016, stands
at the forefront of preventative cybersecurity testing and advisory
services, a reputation further enhanced by the introduction of its
advanced Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) Software as a Service
(SaaS) platform, BlindSPOT. OnDefend is a trusted partner,
empowering organizations globally to proactively combat real-world
cyber threats. From ensuring compliance with industry standards to
building out mature security programs, our mission is to ensure
that the security resources our customers invest in are
well-utilized, effective, and provide tangible results. For more
information about their services and solutions, please
visit http://www.ondefend.com/
Haystack ID Media Contacts:
Carolyn Depko
carolyn@plat4orm.com
908-565-3709
Rob Robinson
pr@haystackid.com
512-934-7531
OnDefend Media Contact:
Lauren Verno
Media@ondefend.com
904-299-3669
HaystackID on Social Media
+ Twitter (@HaystackID)
+ LinkedIn
OnDefend on Social Media
+ Twitter (@OnDefend)
+ LinkedIn
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SOURCE HaystackID