LinkedIn chat can be a secure way to communicate, but there are some important factors to consider. Here is a quick overview of LinkedIn chat security:
LinkedIn uses encryption and other security measures to protect chats during transit. This helps prevent outsiders from spying on your conversations. However, LinkedIn may have access to chat content for moderation purposes. So LinkedIn chat provides security against external threats, but not full privacy from LinkedIn itself.
Encryption Protects Chat Content
When you send a message on LinkedIn chat, it is encrypted before being sent over the internet. LinkedIn uses industry-standard TLS encryption to secure chats in transit between the sender and recipient.
This encryption helps prevent hackers or other third parties from being able to read chat messages as they travel across networks. The content is scrambled and can only be unscrambled by the intended recipient.
So LinkedIn chat employs encryption methods designed to keep your conversations confidential and safe from prying eyes while messages are in transit between users.
LinkedIn Can Access Chat Content
While LinkedIn chat uses encryption for security, LinkedIn itself may access and view chat content in some cases. This is done mainly for moderation purposes.
LinkedIn’s user agreement gives them the right to review chat conversations when necessary to enforce their community guidelines and terms of service. For example, if abusive behavior or harassment is reported in a chat, LinkedIn may investigate the content of those conversations.
LinkedIn also states they may use automated methods to analyze chat content, for instance to detect spam. So complete privacy from LinkedIn is not guaranteed with LinkedIn chat.
Chat History Stored on LinkedIn Servers
LinkedIn chat conversations are stored on LinkedIn’s servers. This allows you to look back at previous chats. But it also means LinkedIn retains a copy of your chat history.
LinkedIn states they keep this chat data for as long as they consider necessary for business purposes. So even after you delete a chat, LinkedIn may still store copies on their servers.
LinkedIn does employ security measures like access controls to help protect chat data stored in their systems. But having chat logs centralized on LinkedIn’s servers increases potential risks if their systems are compromised.
Best Practices for Secure Chats
While LinkedIn chat provides a level of security, there are some best practices users can follow for more sensitive discussions:
- Avoid sending any confidential information like passwords or account numbers via LinkedIn chat.
- For very private conversations, consider chatting via a system with end-to-end encryption like Signal rather than LinkedIn.
- Delete chat history regularly if you don’t want conversations stored long-term on LinkedIn’s servers.
- Keep LinkedIn app and account permissions limited to reduce data access.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for your LinkedIn account.
The Bottom Line
LinkedIn chat is reasonably secure for most purposes thanks to encryption protecting messages in transit. But the fact that LinkedIn systems have access to chat history means it does not provide absolute privacy. Following wise practices around chat content and account security is recommended, especially for sensitive discussions.
So in summary, LinkedIn chat is secure enough for general business communication, but users with major privacy concerns may want to consider more encrypted alternatives for very sensitive matters.