2 min read

LinkedIn Profile Scams! 4 Security Measures to Implement NOW.

LinkedIn Profile Scams! 4 Security Measures to Implement NOW.
LinkedIn Profile Scams! 4 Security Measures to Implement NOW.
4:20

According to a recent report by Check Point Research, LinkedIn, the business platform owned by Microsoft, is impersonated in almost half of all phishing attacks worldwide.

 

How Scammers Leverage LinkedIn for Phishing Attacks

Scammers often target individuals on LinkedIn who are actively seeking new job opportunities or a career change. While receiving emails like “You have 1 new invitation” or “Your profile has been viewed by 63 people” may seem legitimate, it is crucial to verify the sender's email address to confirm its authenticity. These imposters craft emails that closely resemble genuine ones, luring victims into clicking on links that lead to fake LinkedIn pages designed to steal personal information upon entry.

Scammers also take advantage of LinkedIn by creating bogus profiles and enticing individuals with promising job opportunities. Once they have your attention, they may request a small upfront payment to move forward with your application, which you'll never see again, or they might direct you to a seemingly harmless form that is actually a disguised phishing link.

 

LinkedIn's Efforts to Enhance User Security

LinkedIn is aware of the problem and is working on developing advanced security features to protect its users. Here are four of the current security features it has already deployed:

1. Suspicious Message Warnings

LinkedIn's technology can identify messages from individuals trying to divert you away from the platform or communicating potentially inappropriate content, triggering a warning notification for your safety.

 

LinkedIn notification

2. Profile Verification

This feature enables you to confirm the authenticity of your profile. By providing an additional form of identification, you can obtain a verification badge on your profile, signaling to anyone who views it that you are indeed the person you claim to be. This feature is particularly valuable as scammers are constantly on the lookout for new targets and often neglect to keep their information current, resulting in swift shutdowns of their pages.

 

3. Profile Information

This feature allows you to see the details of a person’s profile to help you determine whether or not to respond to a message, accept a connection request, trust an offer, etc. Under your profile, if you click “More” and select “About this profile” from the drop-down menu, you’ll see information like:

  • 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 e-mail associated with their account.

LinkedIn Byron

4. AI-Generated Profile Picture Detection

Scammers use artificial intelligence to create convincing profile pictures of fake users and profiles to deceive unsuspecting LinkedIn members. Shockingly, LinkedIn's research revealed that distinguishing between genuine and artificially generated faces was a challenging task for users. Consequently, LinkedIn collaborated with Academia to develop advanced detection capabilities, enabling the platform to identify AI-generated profile pictures and promptly deactivate these fraudulent profiles before they pose any threats.

 

Stay Secure While Using LinkedIn

Do you use LinkedIn to find jobs, employees, or clients? It’s a great resource for business, but it’s important to stay secure. However, LinkedIn’s features are just the first line of defense. If someone in your organization were to fall for a scam and click a bad link, would your internal security solutions be enough to protect your network?

To schedule a complimentary Security Risk Assessment to assess your network's vulnerability to potential attacks, please contact us at 509.396.6640 or click here to schedule your assessment.

 

New call-to-action

 


Teknologize is a SOC 2 certified, Professional Technology Services company with clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. We have offices located in:

  • Tri-Cities, Washington 509.396.6640

  • Yakima, Washington 509.396.6640

  • Bend, Oregon 541.848.6072

  • Seattle, Washington 206.743.0981

Questions about your IT or Cybersecurity? Give us a call today!

6 Holiday Shopping Scams to Watch Out For

6 Holiday Shopping Scams to Watch Out For

The holiday season is here, bringing the excitement of discovering amazing deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But while you’re hunting for...

Read More
Prevent a Holiday Tech Meltdown with Proactive IT Support

Prevent a Holiday Tech Meltdown with Proactive IT Support

Ah, the holiday season, when everything sparkles, sales soar, and your to-do list rivals Santa's naughty and nice list. For businesses, it's a time...

Read More
The End Is Almost Here: Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

The End Is Almost Here: Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

IMPORTANT: Microsoft recently announced the official end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, while your...

Read More