50 Things Every LinkedIn User Should Do to Stay Safe and Protect Themselves from Scams

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, is a valuable tool for job seekers, employers, and professionals looking to connect and grow their careers. However, its popularity and professional focus also make it an attractive target for scammers and cybercriminals. With over 700 million users, LinkedIn provides ample opportunities for malicious actors to exploit unsuspecting individuals through various types of scams, including phishing attempts, fake job offers, and identity theft. The platform’s trust-based environment can sometimes lull users into a false sense of security, making them more vulnerable to sophisticated social engineering tactics.

Given the professional nature of LinkedIn, falling victim to a scam can have severe consequences, including financial loss, damaged reputations, and compromised personal and professional information. LinkedIn users must be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their profiles and interactions on the platform. By following these 50 safety tips, users can better protect themselves from potential threats, maintain the integrity of their professional presence, and ensure a safer experience on LinkedIn. Understanding the risks and taking preventative measures can help users navigate the platform more securely and confidently.

50 Safety Tips for LinkedIn Users

1. Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your LinkedIn password is complex, unique, and difficult to guess.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication.
3. Beware of Phishing Emails: Be cautious of emails claiming to be from LinkedIn, especially those asking for personal information or containing suspicious links.
4. Verify Connection Requests: Only accept connection requests from people you know or can verify.
5. Customize Your Public Profile: Adjust your public profile settings to control what information is visible to non-connections.
6. Limit Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information such as your home address or phone number on your profile.
7. Regularly Update Privacy Settings: Review and update your privacy settings periodically to ensure they align with your preferences.
8. Be Wary of Job Offers: Research companies and job offers thoroughly before providing personal information or agreeing to interviews.
9. Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious messages or profiles to LinkedIn.
10. Keep Software Updated: Ensure your browser and any LinkedIn apps are up-to-date to protect against security vulnerabilities.
11. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Don’t click on links from unknown sources or in unsolicited messages.
12. Use LinkedIn’s In-App Messaging: Communicate within LinkedIn’s messaging system to avoid potential scams.
13. Check for Verified Companies: Look for the blue checkmark that signifies verified companies.
14. Limit Access to Your Connections: Adjust your settings to control who can see your connections.
15. Use Professional Headshots: Avoid using images that could be used for identity theft.
16. Review Endorsements and Recommendations: Ensure they are from legitimate sources and accurately represent your skills.
17. Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account activity to spot any unauthorized access.
18. Educate Yourself on Common Scams: Stay informed about common LinkedIn scams and how to avoid them.
19. Set Up Login Alerts: Enable alerts for unrecognized logins to stay aware of any unauthorized access attempts.
20. Be Careful with Third-Party Apps: Limit the use of third-party apps that require access to your LinkedIn data.
21. Regularly Review Your Connections: Periodically review your connections and remove any that seem suspicious.
22. Keep Your Resume Updated and Accurate: Avoid including overly detailed personal information that could be exploited.
23. Use LinkedIn Learning Securely: Be cautious of sharing personal data when enrolling in LinkedIn Learning courses.
24. Don’t Share Login Information: Never share your LinkedIn login credentials with anyone.
25. Be Skeptical of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
26. Use Secure Networks: Avoid accessing LinkedIn over unsecured public Wi-Fi.
27. Limit Profile Visibility to Search Engines: Control whether your profile appears in search engine results.
28. Be Cautious with Personal Messages: Be wary of personal messages from unknown individuals, especially if they ask for money or personal details.
29. Check Profile URLs: Verify that LinkedIn URLs are legitimate, especially when receiving job offers.
30. Regularly Change Your Password: Change your password periodically to enhance security.
31. Use LinkedIn’s Privacy Controls: Make use of LinkedIn’s privacy controls to manage who can see your profile and activity.
32. Validate Job Postings: Check the authenticity of job postings by visiting the company’s official website.
33. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Documents: Do not upload or share sensitive documents like your passport or social security number.
34. Be Aware of Profile Cloning: Watch out for duplicate profiles that could be impersonating you or someone you know.
35. Educate Your Connections: Inform your connections about potential scams and how to stay safe.
36. Stay Updated on LinkedIn Policies: Keep up with LinkedIn’s latest security policies and recommendations.
37. Use Secure Devices: Access LinkedIn from secure devices with updated antivirus software.
38. Be Mindful of What You Post: Avoid posting information that could be used against you.
39. Limit Interaction with Unknown Recruiters: Verify the legitimacy of recruiters before engaging in detailed discussions.
40. Regularly Review Your Profile: Ensure there’s no outdated or overly personal information.
41. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Financial Advice: Avoid taking financial advice from unsolicited LinkedIn messages.
42. Utilize LinkedIn Help Center: Use LinkedIn’s Help Center for security tips and to report issues.
43. Avoid Oversharing in Groups: Be cautious about the personal details you share in LinkedIn groups.
44. Review Data Download Requests: Be cautious about downloading data, ensuring it’s from legitimate sources.
45. Participate in LinkedIn Webinars and Workshops: Engage in webinars that focus on LinkedIn security and professional networking best practices.
46. Monitor Your Endorsements: Keep an eye on who is endorsing your skills and ensure they are legitimate.
47. Verify Your Email Addresses: Make sure only your primary, secure email addresses are associated with your LinkedIn account.
48. Be Cautious with LinkedIn Shortened URLs: Verify the destination of LinkedIn shortened URLs before clicking.
49. Limit Career Information: Share enough career information to attract opportunities but not so much that it can be exploited.
50. Stay Informed About LinkedIn Updates: Keep abreast of the latest LinkedIn features and security updates to stay protected.

By following these tips, LinkedIn users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams and enhance their overall security on the platform.

Learn About LinkedIn Privacy & Change Settings

To change your LinkedIn privacy settings, you can start by logging into your LinkedIn account and navigating to the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage. From there, select “Settings & Privacy.” In this section, you can adjust various privacy settings to enhance your security, such as who can see your email address, profile visibility to non-connections, and how others see your LinkedIn activity. You can also manage data sharing with third parties and control how LinkedIn uses your data. For a comprehensive guide on how to modify these settings, refer to LinkedIn’s own Help Center guide which provides detailed instructions on managing your privacy and security on the platform. Additionally, LinkedIn offers a Privacy and Security Center that provides valuable information and tips for keeping your account safe.

• Control your public LinkedIn profile
• Manage your account and privacy settings