LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 800 million members. As a professional networking site, LinkedIn profiles contain a wealth of personal and professional information that hackers can exploit for their own purposes.
Some common reasons why hackers target LinkedIn profiles include:
Identity Theft
LinkedIn profiles contain sensitive personal information that can be used for identity theft such as full name, email address, location, employer, job title, skills, education history and more. With enough personal details, hackers can impersonate or steal the identity of the profile owner.
Spread Malware
Hackers can break into LinkedIn accounts and post malicious links on profiles that friends and connections click on and spread malware.
Access Company Data
By hacking an employee’s LinkedIn account, hackers may be able to access sensitive company data if that employee has published any on their profile or communicated any through LinkedIn messaging.
Send Spam
Once in control of a profile, hackers can leverage the account’s network of connections to distribute spam or phishing attacks.
Reputation Damage
Hackers can post inappropriate, offensive or controversial content on a compromised profile that damages the account owner’s professional reputation.
How Hackers Gain Access to LinkedIn Profiles
Cybercriminals use various tactics to hack into LinkedIn accounts. Some common methods include:
Password Guessing
Using automated tools, hackers try commonly used passwords and variations to gain account access. Weak passwords make profiles vulnerable.
Phishing Scams
Fake LinkedIn login pages are created to harvest usernames and passwords from unsuspecting users. Links to these pages are sent via email or messages.
Malware and Spyware
Malicious software is installed on a victim’s computer to steal passwords and login credentials stored on their browser.
Data Breaches
When LinkedIn or third-party data breaches occur, billions of usernames and passwords are leaked online for hackers to exploit.
Session Hijacking
Hackers intercept and take over an active LinkedIn session to gain unauthorized access to accounts.
Signs Your LinkedIn Account is Hacked
If you notice any of the following, it could indicate your LinkedIn profile has been compromised:
- Suspicious posts or messages sent from your account
- Connections receiving spam or phishing messages from you
- Login alerts for your account from a strange location
- Unfamiliar images, content or links added to your profile
- Profile details like photo, job title or location changed without your knowledge
- Being logged out of your account suddenly
How to Secure Your LinkedIn Account
Here are some best practices to help safeguard your LinkedIn profile:
Use a Strong, Unique Password
Avoid common phrases, words, or personal information as passwords. Enable two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
Be Wary of Third-Party Apps
Vet third party LinkedIn apps thoroughly before connecting them to your profile as they can be avenues for hackers.
Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks can expose your login details. Use a VPN when accessing LinkedIn away from home.
Keep Software Up-to-Date
Regularly update your operating system, browser, antivirus and other software programs to patch security flaws.
Review Privacy Settings
Adjust your LinkedIn privacy configurations to limit the personal data that is publicly visible.
Monitor Your Profile
Routinely check your LinkedIn activity for any unauthorized posts, messages or changes.
What to Do if You are Hacked
If your LinkedIn account is compromised, take these steps immediately:
- Reset your password – Use a new strong password this time.
- Revoke LinkedIn app permissions – Remove access rights to any unfamiliar third party apps.
- Enable two-factor authentication – Add an extra layer of login security.
- Warn connections – Alert your network about the account breach and not to click on suspicious links.
- Secure other accounts – Change passwords on any other account that used the hacked password.
- Scan computers for malware – Check for any viruses or spyware on your devices used to access LinkedIn.
- Report compromise to LinkedIn – File an official complaint on unauthorized access.
How to Recover From Profile Hack
Once you have regained control of your account, focus on restoring your profile and online reputation:
Remove Unauthorized Content
Delete any strange posts, images or links added by the hacker that are visible on your profile.
Inform Connections
Let your network know your account was hacked and to disregard suspicious messages they may have received.
Monitor Name Search
Regularly check name search results for negative content about you that may need to be reported or suppressed.
Publish New Content
Flood your profile with positive posts and articles to drown out harmful material in search rankings.
Engage With Your Network
Actively communicate with connections to re-establish your reputation and rebuild damaged relationships.
| Type of Hacker | Objective |
|---|---|
| Identity Thieves | Steal personal information for financial fraud |
| Cybercriminals | Infect devices with malware for money |
| Disgruntled Employees | Sabotage company and coworkers |
| Unethical Competitors | Smear reputation to gain advantage |
| Hacktivists | Send political or social message |
Conclusion
LinkedIn profiles contain valuable data sought after by various cybercriminal elements. Lax privacy settings, weak passwords, phishing scams and malware are common attack vectors hackers leverage to infiltrate accounts. By using strong security practices, monitoring your profile activity and acting swiftly if compromised, you can better protect your LinkedIn presence and online reputation from being exploited.