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Protect Your LinkedIn Accounts from Hacks and Ransomware Attacks

Author

Joseph Morgan

Date

18 August, 2023

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In recent weeks, there has been a surge in LinkedIn account hacks, causing alarm among individual users and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). In some instances, users have been coerced into paying a ransom to regain access to their accounts or faced the threat of permanent account deletion.

In light of this, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with such attacks and take necessary actions to safeguard your LinkedIn account.

Dangerous hacker hiding his identity wearing a white mask
Online phishing scam concept - stealing your personal information for the purpose of Identity theft

The Risk of Inaction

Ignoring the potential threats to your LinkedIn account can lead to dire consequences:

  • Loss of Access: Falling victim to a hack means losing access to your LinkedIn account, which could be devastating for professionals who rely on this platform for networking and job opportunities.

  • Ransom Demands: Some hackers are demanding small ransoms from users to regain access to their accounts. Paying a ransom does not guarantee the return of your account and could potentially expose you to further extortion.

  • Reputational Damage: Attackers can use your account to post malicious content or send damaging or threatening messages to your business connections, causing significant harm to your professional reputation.

  • Information Theft: If hackers gain access to your LinkedIn account, they can steal valuable information from conversations with business colleagues or exploit your contacts to conduct phishing campaigns by impersonating a trusted colleague or supervisor.

Two Attack Scenarios

There have been two main attack scenarios identified:

Recommendations to Mitigate Risks

To protect your LinkedIn account from hacks and ransom attacks, consider implementing the following measures:

  1. Update Your Passwords Ensure you are using strong and unique passwords for your LinkedIn account. Your password should be at least 12 characters long, containing a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not reuse passwords across multiple accounts.

  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Activate 2FA on your LinkedIn account, adding an extra layer of security. This requires you to provide a second verification step (usually a code sent to your mobile device) in addition to your password.

  3. Review Your Account for Suspicious Activity Regularly check your LinkedIn account for any unusual or unauthorised activity. If you notice any changes that you did not make, such as a new email address or unexpected posts, immediately change your password and contact LinkedIn support.

  4. Beware of Phishing Attempts Be cautious when receiving unsolicited or suspicious emails asking for your LinkedIn credentials or personal information. Verify the authenticity of the request before taking any action.

  5. Keep Software Up-to-Date Ensure your devices’ operating systems, web browsers, and security software are updated with the latest patches. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.


Please note that these recommendations are not just applicable to LinkedIn but should also be implemented for all your online accounts.

  1.  
Is my account secure?

Conclusion

It’s essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your LinkedIn account against hacks and ransom attacks. Ignoring the risks could lead to loss of access, reputational damage, or worse. By following the recommended measures, you can protect your account from unauthorised access and the potential impact of hacks.

Stay vigilant and prioritise your online security. Your professional identity and reputation depend on it.

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