A recent report from Check Point Research revealed a shocking statistic – the Microsoft-owned business platform LinkedIn is impersonated in nearly half of all phishing attacks globally.
One way scammers leverage LinkedIn to deploy their phishing attacks is by targeting job seekers or those considering a career change. Emails like “You have 1 new invitation” or “Your profile has been viewed by 63 people” can appear authentic, making it critical to verify the email address to ensure it genuinely comes from LinkedIn. Impersonators send emails that look identical to real ones, with links to fake LinkedIn pages designed to steal your information.
Another tactic cybercriminals use is creating fake profiles to message people about job opportunities. Once hooked, victims might be asked for a small payment to process their application or sent a phishing link disguised as a form to fill out.
As a LinkedIn user, you aim to leverage the platform for career opportunities, networking, and business growth. However, the risk of phishing attacks and fake profiles can turn this beneficial tool into a source of vulnerability. By adopting LinkedIn’s security features, you can protect yourself and your organization from these threats.
At NetWerks Strategic Services, we understand the importance of using LinkedIn securely. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to safeguard your online interactions. We bring extensive experience and innovative strategies to ensure your LinkedIn activities are secure.
LinkedIn is aware of these problems and is developing advanced security features to protect its users. Here are four current security features you should use:
- Suspicious Message Warnings: LinkedIn’s technology detects messages attempting to take you off the platform or those containing potentially inappropriate content, sending you a warning notification.
- Profile Verification: This feature allows you to verify your page’s authenticity by submitting an additional form of ID, earning a verification badge on your profile. This helps others know you are who you say you are, deterring scammers.
- Profile Information: This feature provides details about a person’s profile to help you decide whether to respond to a message, accept a connection request, or trust an offer. By clicking “More” on a profile and selecting “About this profile,” you can see:
- When the profile was created.
- When the profile was last updated.
- Whether the member has verified a phone number.
- Whether the member has a work email associated with their account.
- AI-Generated Profile Picture Detection: LinkedIn partnered with Academia to develop and deploy advanced detection features that identify AI-generated profile pictures used by scammers. This helps shut down fake profiles before they can cause harm.
Using LinkedIn’s security features, you can confidently use the platform without fear of falling victim to phishing attacks or fake profiles. However, LinkedIn’s features are just the first line of defense. Ensuring your internal security solutions are robust enough to protect your network if someone in your organization clicks a bad link is crucial.
Do you use LinkedIn to find jobs, employees, or clients? While it’s a great resource for business, it’s important to stay secure. We can help you find out if your network is vulnerable to any type of attack. We offer a FREE Security Risk Assessment to help you determine your network's security level. To book yours, call us at 413-786-9675 or click here to book now.
At NetWerks Strategic Services, we are your trusted ally, guiding you to secure your online activities and protect your network from cyber threats.
