LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional networking sites, with over 700 million users worldwide. It’s a great platform for connecting with colleagues, networking, building your professional brand, and searching for job opportunities. However, like any social network, LinkedIn also comes with risks – one of them being the possibility of getting hacked.
In this article, we’ll explore the ways LinkedIn accounts can be compromised, the potential consequences, and most importantly, the steps you can take to avoid being hacked on LinkedIn.
How do LinkedIn accounts get hacked?
There are a few common ways cybercriminals can gain access to LinkedIn accounts:
Weak or reused passwords
Using simple or commonly used passwords on LinkedIn makes it easy for hackers to guess them. Reusing the same passwords across multiple sites also exposes your accounts, as a breach on one site puts all your accounts at risk. Strong, unique passwords are essential for LinkedIn and all your accounts.
Phishing attacks
Phishing is when cybercriminals send fraudulent emails pretending to be from trusted sources, trying to trick users into revealing login credentials or other personal information. LinkedIn phishing scams are quite common.
Watch out for emails asking you to verify account information or reset your password. LinkedIn will never ask for your password. Also be wary of messages containing suspicious links – always check that the URLs are legitimate.
Third-party apps and sites
Granting unnecessary permissions to third-party apps or sites that integrate with LinkedIn also opens up security risks. Only allow access to reputable apps that you fully recognize and trust.
Be cautious of any app asking for full account access rather than limited permissions. Review security and privacy policies before connecting apps.
Malware or spyware
Malicious software installed on your device, whether inadvertently downloaded or the work of adware or spyware, can compromise information entered on LinkedIn. Using reputable antivirus software can detect and remove malicious programs.
Network intrusions
If a hacker manages to infiltrate your wifi network or internal company servers, your LinkedIn session could be monitored. Using unsecured public networks creates risks. Protect home and work networks with strong encryption and passwords.
What can hackers do if they access your LinkedIn account?
Gaining control over someone’s LinkedIn account gives cybercriminals plenty of opportunity for misuse and criminal activity:
Access sensitive information
LinkedIn contain a lot of personal and professional information – full name, employment history, contacts, even sometimes birthdays or locations. This valuable information can facilitate identity theft.
Damage professional reputation
Hackers can post inappropriate content or messages under your name, send spam to your connections, or change profile information in harmful ways. This can tarnish your professional reputation.
Infiltrate your connections
Your LinkedIn connections provide a backdoor for hackers to target your coworkers, clients or companies you are connected to. They can exploit your corporate network or spread malware.
Access company data
For business profiles, hackers may be able to access even more sensitive company information, intellectual property, documents or communications.
Financial fraud
LinkedIn is often tied to other services or financial accounts for billing. Hackers could leverage it to reset passwords, access billing info, or engage in identity theft and credit card fraud.
How to secure your LinkedIn account
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lock down your LinkedIn profile and reduce the chances of being hacked:
Use strong, unique passwords
Avoid common or reused passwords for your LinkedIn login. Use random password generators to create long, complex passwords that would be difficult for hackers to crack.
Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds another layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your mobile device in addition to your password when logging in. This prevents access even if your password is compromised.
Be wary of unsolicited emails and links
Don’t click on suspicious links and attachments in emails claiming to be from LinkedIn. Hover over URLs to verify website domains. Report any phishing attempts.
Disconnect unused apps
Revoke access for any third party apps you no longer use to prevent potential vulnerabilities through those integrations.
Beware public wifi networks
Avoid accessing LinkedIn on public, unsecured networks. The traffic on open wifi can be monitored by hackers. Use a VPN if necessary.
Keep software up-to-date
Maintain up-to-date operating systems, web browsers, antivirus and firewalls to protect against latest security threats. Update the LinkedIn app regularly.
Monitor account activity
Check your LinkedIn privacy settings and account activity frequently for any unauthorized posts, messages or changes. Report suspicious activity.
Limit public profile information
Set your profile visibility to connections only rather than public. Be selective about which details – birthday, address, etc. – you add to your profile.
What to do if you’ve been hacked
If you suspect your LinkedIn account has been compromised, act quickly to secure it with these steps:
Reset your password
First, recover your account by resetting your password. Don’t reuse old passwords. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven’t yet for additional protection.
Revoke app permissions
Revoke access for any authorized apps you don’t recognize or no longer use as a precaution. Only trusted apps should have access.
Notify connections
Warn your LinkedIn connections about the potential hack, particularly if inappropriate content was posted under your name. Ask them to tighten security too.
Secure other accounts
Change passwords on any other accounts that used the same login credentials as your LinkedIn account. Alert your bank if you see suspicious charges or activity.
Scan devices for malware
Run antivirus scans to check for any malware or spyware that could have been behind the hack. Remove any threats detected.
Contact LinkedIn
Report the account hacking to LinkedIn so they can take action. Provide details of unauthorized activity you noticed on your account.
Protect yourself on social media
Beyond just LinkedIn, implement these general social media security tips:
- Use unique complex passwords for all accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Don’t click suspicious links – type URLs directly instead.
- Avoid logging into accounts on public networks.
- Don’t accept friend requests from strangers.
- Limit sharing personal information publicly.
- Use privacy settings to limit account visibility.
Conclusion
While hacking is an unfortunate threat on platforms like LinkedIn, the risks can be minimized by taking proactive precautions – strong passwords, limited app access, enabling two-factor authentication, and more. Being cautious around unsolicited messages and using common sense when clicking links also improves security. If your account is compromised, act quickly to reset passwords, revoke app permissions, and notify connections. With vigilance and safer habits, LinkedIn users can protect their accounts from being hacked.
