Opening attachments sent to you via LinkedIn messages can pose potential risks. While many attachments may be safe, there is always the possibility that a file contains malware or leads to a phishing site designed to steal your personal information. As with any unsolicited attachments, it’s important to exercise caution before opening files sent by strangers or even connections you don’t know very well. In this article, we’ll explore the potential dangers of opening LinkedIn attachments and best practices you can follow to reduce your risk.
What are the potential risks of opening LinkedIn attachments?
Here are some of the most common potential threats that can come from opening attachments sent via LinkedIn messaging:
Malware infection
One of the biggest risks is that an attachment contains malware – malicious software designed to infect or damage your device. Malware comes in many forms, including viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Opening an infected file can allow the malware to be installed on your device, potentially giving attackers access to your system, data, and network.
Phishing
Attachments may also be used as part of phishing scams. For example, an attachment might contain a fake login page for LinkedIn or other sites designed to steal your username and password. The attachment could also contain a document with malicious macros embedded in it. If you enable macros, it can install malware or give scammers access to your computer.
Spam and advertising
Some attachments may be sent simply to deliver unwanted advertising or spam. For example, an attached PDF could contain promotional material for a product or service you have no interest in. At best, these attachments clutter up your inbox. At worst, they could contain links to dubious websites or other questionable content.
Financial fraud
Scammers may use attachments in attempts to get you to reveal sensitive financial information or transfer funds. For instance, an attachment might claim you need to pay an urgent invoice or contain a form asking for your banking details. Providing such information can allow criminals to commit identity theft or steal your money.
How do malicious attachments get sent on LinkedIn?
Attackers use a variety of techniques to distribute malicious attachments via LinkedIn messaging:
Hacked accounts
If a LinkedIn user’s account is compromised, hackers can send messages and attachments from that account to all of the user’s connections. Since the message comes from a legitimate account, recipients may be more likely to open the attachment.
Fake accounts
Scammers create fake LinkedIn accounts often using images and information copied from real users. They then try to connect with as many people as possible and send malicious attachments from the fake account.
Spam bots
Automated spam bot accounts are created on LinkedIn to send attachments to massive numbers of users in hopes that some will open the files. These accounts typically have few connections and may display bot-like behavior.
Targeted social engineering
In some cases, attackers may research a specific individual and craft a personalized message with an attachment tailored to trick the recipient into opening it. This type of highly targeted social engineering is less common but potentially very effective.
5 tips for handling LinkedIn attachments safely
Here are some best practices you can follow to avoid problems when receiving attachments via LinkedIn messaging:
1. Be wary of unsolicited attachments
If you receive an attachment you were not expecting from someone you don’t know, be very cautious. You should avoid opening unsolicited attachments sent by strangers, distant connections, or even accounts behaving suspiciously.
2. Verify the sender
Before opening an attachment, even from a known connection, examine the profile of the person who sent it. Check for signs it is a fake or compromised account, like a lack of connections, unusual recent activity, or profile details that don’t seem right.
3. Scan for malware
Save the attachment and scan it with updated antivirus software before opening. This can detect malicious files and potential threats before they have a chance to infect your device.
4. Ask for confirmation
If you receive an unexpected attachment from a known contact, message them to confirm they really sent the file and ask what it contains before opening it. This helps avoid falling for scams impersonating your connections.
5. Report suspicious behavior
Notify LinkedIn if you receive any concerning attachments you believe may be malicious, especially from accounts engaging in suspicious activity. This can help LinkedIn address spam and protect other users.
Red flags to watch out for
Here are some warning signs that should prompt you to be extra careful with a LinkedIn attachment:
– It comes from someone you don’t know or an account with few connections
– The sender’s profile seems fake, sparse, or suspicious
– The attachment is generically named (like “document.pdf”)
– It’s an unexpected attachment or strange file type you weren’t requesting
– The message asks you to enable macros, provide sensitive information, or take urgent action
– The sender pressures you to open the attachment quickly
– Your antivirus flags the file as malicious
When is it safe to open a LinkedIn attachment?
In general, it’s safest to avoid opening attachments from unfamiliar accounts altogether. However, attachments sent by people you know and trust are less likely to pose a major risk as long as you take some basic precautions:
– Verify the sender to ensure the account hasn’t been compromised
– Make sure you were expecting the attachment and know what it contains
– Check for any unusual behavior from the sender’s account
– Scan the file with your antivirus software before opening
– Confirm directly with the sender if anything seems off
If an attachment passes all those checks from a known, trusted connection acting normally, it’s relatively safe to open. But it’s still wise to remain cautious just in case.
How to open attachments safely in LinkedIn
If you need to open an attachment, here are some tips for doing it safely:
Save don’t open
Always save attachments to your device first rather than opening them directly in LinkedIn. This gives your antivirus software a chance to scan the file.
Isolate file before opening
Save attachments to a separate offline folder on your device before you open them. This prevents any malware from infecting other parts of your system.
Scan before enabling macros
If a file contains macros, scan it first and only enable macros if you’re certain the file is safe. Macros can potentially run malicious code.
Open on a secondary device
Consider copying the attachment to a separate device you don’t use for sensitive activities like banking and open it there first. This reduces the impact if it does contain malware.
Use cloud malware scanning
Tools like VirusTotal let you upload attachments to scan them with multiple antivirus engines to double check they are safe.
Protecting yourself from LinkedIn attachment risks
Here are some general ways you can protect yourself from potential threats when using LinkedIn:
Strengthen account security
Enable two-factor authentication on your LinkedIn account and use a strong, unique password to prevent your account from being compromised. Avoid using contact details in your profile that could help scammers impersonate or target you.
Be selective with connections
Don’t accept connection requests from people you don’t know, as this gives them a avenue to send you attachments. Review connection requests carefully for suspicious signs.
Install antivirus software
Reliable antivirus software with real-time protection can block malicious attachments and halt malware infections before they happen. Make sure to keep your software updated.
Beware of phishing
If you receive any messages requesting sensitive information or urgent action, double check by contacting the company directly before taking any steps.
Report suspicious behavior
Alert LinkedIn if you notice any accounts sending concerning messages or attachments so they can take action. You can also warn your connections about potential scams.
What does LinkedIn do to protect against malicious attachments?
LinkedIn utilizes a variety of security measures and approaches to help protect users from risks associated with attachments:
Automated monitoring
LinkedIn uses automated systems to monitor for spammy and malicious activity. Accounts sending suspicious attachments in bulk are flagged for review.
Manual reviews
In addition to automated monitoring, LinkedIn security professionals manually review user reports about suspicious attachments and accounts.
Blocking and removing accounts
When an account is identified as malicious, LinkedIn blocks it from sending further messages or attachments. Fake and compromised accounts are removed.
Partnerships with security firms
LinkedIn collaborates with leading cybersecurity companies that provide threat intelligence to stay on top of new risks and attack methods.
Increasing user awareness
LinkedIn aims to educate users about potential attachment risks and best practices through guides, warnings, and other outreach.
Law enforcement cooperation
LinkedIn cooperates with law enforcement to report and investigate cybercrime incidents stemming from its platform.
Conclusion
While opening attachments sent via LinkedIn messages carries some inherent risk, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of infection or compromise. Using caution around unsolicited attachments, verifying senders, scanning files with antivirus software, and enabling security features can help keep your device and data safe. In general, it’s wise to only open expected attachments from known, trusted connections after taking basic precautions. With vigilance and safe computing habits, you can feel safer evaluating attachments you receive on LinkedIn.
