With over 722 million users worldwide, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professional networking and building business connections. However, as with any online platform, LinkedIn also presents cybersecurity risks that users should be aware of.
In this article, we’ll explore whether LinkedIn profiles can get hacked, the potential dangers of a compromised LinkedIn account, and steps you can take to better secure your profile and sensitive information.
Can LinkedIn profiles actually get hacked?
The short answer is yes, LinkedIn profiles absolutely can get hacked. While LinkedIn has strong security measures in place, no online platform is completely impervious to cyber attacks. Skilled hackers are constantly developing new techniques to breach accounts and security systems.
Some of the main ways LinkedIn profiles can get compromised include:
- Phishing scams – Users may receive emails or messages containing malicious links that install malware or capture login credentials when clicked
- Credential stuffing – Automated bots use stolen username and password combinations from other breached sites and test them on LinkedIn login pages
- Brute force attacks – Hackers use automated programs to guess passwords through trial-and-error
- Session hijacking – Attackers intercept the session cookie used to authenticate users and take over the account
- Insufficient security practices – Accounts with weak, reused passwords or lack of two-factor authentication are much easier to hack
While individual users getting hacked tends to get the most publicity, LinkedIn company pages and employee accounts are also common targets. There have been several documented cases over the years of high-profile LinkedIn accounts being compromised.
What can hackers do with a compromised LinkedIn account?
A hacked LinkedIn account provides attackers with a wealth of valuable information and access. Some potential dangers include:
- Accessing sensitive personal details – Contact info, work history, skills, and more
- Impersonation – Pretending to be the victim online or via messaging
- Spreading malware – Sharing links to infected sites
- Financial fraud – Requesting money from connections under false pretenses
- Company infiltration – Using employee accounts to gain access to corporate data and systems
- Reputation damage – Posting inappropriate or illegal content under the victim’s name
For individuals, a hacked LinkedIn profile can enable identity theft and other fraud. But compromised company and employee accounts also pose a major cybersecurity risk, potentially allowing hackers access to proprietary data, trade secrets, customer information, and more.
4 steps to better secure your LinkedIn profile
While nothing can fully guarantee online security, there are important steps every LinkedIn user should take to reduce their risk of being hacked:
1. Use strong, unique passwords
Having distinct passwords for every account, especially for important sites like LinkedIn, prevents criminals from gaining access through credential stuffing. Use passwords that are long, complex, and difficult to guess.
2. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to input a one-time code from your phone or other device when logging in. This protects your account even if your password is compromised.
3. Be wary of phishing attempts
Never click suspicious links or download attachments in unsolicited emails, messages, or posts. Hover over links to ensure they direct to legitimate sites before clicking.
4. Monitor your account activity
Routinely check your LinkedIn settings, login history, posts, and communications for any suspicious activity indicating a potential breach.
What to do if you’re hacked
If you suspect your LinkedIn account has been compromised, take these steps immediately:
- Change your password – Log in and reset your password to lock the attacker out of your account
- Revoke OAuth access – Remove any unauthorized third-party apps connected to your profile under User Settings
- Enable two-factor authentication – If not already activated, turn on 2FA for enhanced security
- Check settings and activity – Review profile info, posts, ads, and messages to see if anything was modified
- Scan devices for malware – Run antivirus scans to check for any potential infections on your computers and mobile devices
- Contact LinkedIn – Use LinkedIn’s reporting tools to notify them of the compromised account
- Warn connections – Message your network about the account breach and to beware of any suspicious communication
Taking quick action to secure your account and alert LinkedIn can help minimize the damage from a hacked profile. But prevention is still the best medicine, so taking proactive security measures should be the priority for all LinkedIn users.
Conclusion
Hacking risks are an unfortunate reality of the digital age we live in. LinkedIn’s popularity and trove of professional data make it an enticing target for cybercriminals. However, with heightened awareness, proper security precautions, and quick response if compromised, users can better protect themselves and their invaluable online profiles.
The key takeaways on whether LinkedIn profiles can get hacked include:
- Yes, LinkedIn accounts can get hacked through phishing, brute force attacks, and other methods.
- Compromised accounts can enable serious fraud and identity theft, as well as organizational data breaches.
- Unique strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and other security best practices are vital.
- If your account is hacked, move swiftly to lock it down, scan for malware, notify LinkedIn, and warn your network.
While LinkedIn hacks do occur, they can be prevented and mitigated with the right awareness and tools. Taking proactive steps to lock down your profile will help you benefit from LinkedIn while avoiding the potential significant harms of a breach.
