LinkedIn, the professional social networking site owned by Microsoft, has recently begun asking some users to complete additional security checks before logging in. This has left many LinkedIn members wondering why they are suddenly being prompted to prove their identity.
The Rise of Account Takeovers
LinkedIn states that the security checks are meant to safeguard against unauthorized access to users’ accounts. In recent years, there has been an increase in hackers attempting to take over people’s social media accounts through phishing attacks and credential stuffing.
Phishing is when cybercriminals send fake login pages or emails pretending to be from a trusted source, trying to trick users into revealing their usernames and passwords. Credential stuffing is when hackers use lists of stolen credentials from data breaches and try them out on other websites and apps.
Once hackers gain access to an account, they can leverage it to distribute spam and malware, post unauthorized content, or harvest information. High-profile accounts are especially attractive targets.
Social networks like LinkedIn contain a wealth of sensitive personal and professional information that hackers can exploit for identity theft, corporate espionage, and other criminal activity. As account takeovers have become more frequent, LinkedIn and other platforms have had to improve their defenses.
Multi-Factor Authentication
One of the most effective ways for web services to detect suspicious login attempts is through multi-factor authentication (MFA). With MFA, users are required to provide an additional piece of identifying information beyond just a password.
Common forms of MFA include:
- Verification codes sent via text message or email
- Biometric authentication using fingerprints or facial recognition
- Security keys that connect via USB or Bluetooth
- Code generating apps like Google Authenticator that produce random one-time passcodes
By requiring a second factor, it becomes much harder for hackers to access accounts even if they have somehow learned the password. When users log in from a new device for the first time, legitimate websites and apps will use MFA to confirm it is really the account owner.
LinkedIn’s Security Checks
LinkedIn has several security checks that may be triggered when accessing your account:
- Email confirmation – LinkedIn will send a one-time passcode to your email that you must enter.
- Text confirmation – You will be sent a code via text message to supply.
- Security questions – You will need to answer security questions set up for your account previously.
- Captcha – These automated challenges require you to prove you are not a bot.
Passing one of these checks satisfies LinkedIn that you are the legitimate account holder so you can log in. If your account seems to be accessed from an unknown location or device, LinkedIn may present several security prompts before granting access.
Why You May Encounter Security Checks
There are several reasons why LinkedIn may suddenly require you to complete a security check:
- You are attempting to log in on a new device for the first time.
- Your account was accessed from an unusual location or unknown IP address.
- LinkedIn detected suspicious activity that indicates a possible account takeover attempt.
- You have not logged into your account for an extended period.
- LinkedIn has rolled out increased security measures for all users.
- Your account was flagged by LinkedIn’s automated risk detection systems.
- Another user reported your account for potential compromise.
Essentially, LinkedIn wants to verify your identity anytime your account is accessed in an uncommon way. While this may seem like an inconvenience, it helps ensure that only you can access your account, preventing compromise by hackers.
How to Prepare for Security Checks
To make getting through LinkedIn’s security process smoother, here are some tips:
- Make sure your email, phone number, and security questions are up-to-date in your account settings. This is necessary information for passing confirmation checks.
- Add backup email addresses and phone numbers as secondary authentication options. Having multiple verification methods configured improves account security.
- Download the LinkedIn mobile app and enable push notifications. You can approve alerts of new logins instantly.
- Consider setting up two-factor authentication through an authenticator app or U2F security key for maximum account protection.
- Bookmark the official LinkedIn login page so you don’t mistakenly enter your credentials on a phishing site, triggering increased scrutiny.
Taking these steps in advance makes it much easier to quickly validate your identity when LinkedIn requires a security check on your account.
What to Do if You Can’t Complete Security Checks
In some cases, users find they are unable to complete LinkedIn’s security verification for various reasons:
- You no longer have access to the email or phone number associated with your account.
- You forgot the answers to your account’s security questions.
- You are not receiving the emailed or texted one-time passcodes to confirm your login.
- You lost access to the authenticator app you had previously set up.
If this happens, don’t panic. You can regain access to your account through LinkedIn’s account recovery process:
- Go to the LinkedIn login page and click the “Forgot password?” link.
- Enter your username and complete any requested security checks that you can.
- LinkedIn will present account recovery options like resetting your password or sending a password reset link to alternate emails.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the recovery process.
- Once your password is reset, update your security settings with new backup contact information.
As long as you own the account, LinkedIn provides this self-service method to get back into a locked out account. Be sure to update your security details immediately after recovering your login.
Is LinkedIn’s Increased Security a Concern?
Some LinkedIn users have expressed unease at the platform prompting for more security checks before allowing access. However, there are good reasons not to be too alarmed by LinkedIn’s extra precautions:
- The security checks are intended to protect your account, not prevent you from accessing it.
- Other major social networks like Facebook and Twitter use similar identity confirmations.
- Passing the one-time checks is quick and painless for legitimate users.
- The process helps block hackers, bots, and other unauthorized logins.
- LinkedIn provides account recovery options if you fail the checks.
- Enhanced security gives users more control over account privacy.
While the extra step may be an adjustment, extensive security measures are now a fact of life for popular online services. LinkedIn’s checks provide protection for your account and data without significant hurdles for real users.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Account Security
In addition to cooperating with LinkedIn’s security prompts, there are other actions you should take to keep your account safe:
- Create a unique, complex password just for your LinkedIn account and update it regularly.
- Be suspicious of unsolicited password reset emails in case they are phishing scams.
- Don’t use your LinkedIn password on other sites to avoid credential stuffing.
- Review your account’s login history and revoke sessions from unknown devices.
- Enable login notifications via email or mobile push to monitor account access.
- Be wary of suspicious connection requests as they may be impersonation scams.
- Use common sense when clicking links or downloading files to avoid malware.
Staying vigilant goes hand-in-hand with LinkedIn’s automated security protections to keep your account hack-free. Communicating through connections rather than random users can help avoid risky interactions.
Should You Deactivate Your LinkedIn Account?
With all the potential threats, some may consider deactivating or deleting their LinkedIn account entirely. However, there are downsides to leaving the platform:
- You lose access to valuable business and career contacts.
- Headhunters can no longer reach out to you regarding job opportunities.
- Former colleagues and classmates have no way to locate or contact you.
- You miss out on LinkedIn news, articles, and discussions relevant to your industry.
- Prospective employers commonly check LinkedIn profiles of applicants during hiring.
For most professionals, the networking and career benefits of LinkedIn make it worth keeping your account. With proper security habits, you can take advantage of LinkedIn while minimizing risks.
LinkedIn Security Check FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about LinkedIn’s security verification process:
Why do I suddenly need to verify my identity to log in?
LinkedIn prompts you for additional verification when your account is accessed in an unusual way, like from a new location or device. This precaution helps ensure it is really you logging in and not someone else.
What if I’m not receiving the security code by text or email?
Check that you have the latest phone number and email address associated with your account. Also try an alternate verification method. If those fail, you will need to go through LinkedIn’s account recovery process to regain access.
Does this mean my LinkedIn account was hacked?
Not necessarily. The security checks are mainly a precaution for suspicious logins. If you can successfully complete them yourself, it likely indicates your account was not compromised.
How can I remove the security check requirements?
Unfortunately, individual users cannot disable or opt-out of LinkedIn’s identity verification process. The checks are triggered automatically by LinkedIn’s systems.
Is there a way to skip verification codes when logging in?
No, the passcodes are mandatory when requested and designed not to be bypassable. This is an important account protection measure.
How do I recover my account if I fail the security check?
Use LinkedIn’s password reset process by selecting “Forgot password?” at the login page. You can then update your security details to regain access.
Does this mean my personal data was exposed in a breach?
Not necessarily. The added security measures are mainly preemptive. If LinkedIn discovers your individual account was impacted by a breach, they should notify you directly.
Conclusion
LinkedIn’s additional security checks are a safeguard against account takeovers and malicious logins. While verifying your identity may be an extra step, it helps keep your account and data secure from hackers.
With phishing and credential theft on the rise, precautions like multi-factor authentication are necessary for high-profile services. As long as you keep your account information current, you should have no problem quickly passing LinkedIn’s automated prompts.
Rather than being alarmed by the extra security, users should be reassured that LinkedIn is being proactive about protecting accounts. With strong login hygiene and avoidance of risky links, professionals can continue benefiting from LinkedIn safely.
