top of page
  • Writer's pictureRafael Iamonti

How you can improve your security and privacy on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a tool where we seek professional connections. For this reason, it is very common that data, such as email and phone, can be seen on this social network. However, this type of exposure can jeopardize our security and privacy on LinkedIn.

Without realizing it, we ended up disseminating a lot of personal information on social networks. LinkedIn is no different. But should everyone really be able to access our activity feed?

That way, we need to know how the platform uses our data and make some settings that bring more security and privacy. Let's look at some steps to better control our information and ways to protect your account.

What are the risks of LinkedIn

Seeking to expand our professional contacts, we ended up adding many unknown people in this social network. But you have to be very careful, criminals are present even in a social network focused on the corporate world.

The platform has also been the target of cyber attacks. This has put at risk personal data of many users, which can be exposed in leaks. That way, you need to know the risks and strategies that can bring more security and privacy to LinkedIn.


Phishing


Even on LinkedIn, we are subject to the same risks as other social networks. Phishing attacks and unwanted messages, so-called spam, are common and can put our security at risk.

By sending tempting work proposals, criminals can forward a malicious link, which opens the door to cyberattacks. Another common strategy is to use fake profiles, or fake ads, to steal information.

Through phishing, criminals can steal access information and even install malicious software on their devices. This can be a risk to your safety and your organization.

That's why it takes attention. Be wary of messages that contain links and ask for personal information.


Data privacy


Because we connect with many unknown people, it is essential to know what and with whom we are sharing this information. Thus, controlling the privacy and security settings on Linkedin is very important.

On the Settings and privacy page, you can change the visibility settings for your information. There you will find options to make your contact details and profile visible to whoever you choose.

You can also choose who can see your activities by selecting that connected people see only what you want.

We also have to pay attention to the type of information we share and interact with. That way, before connecting with someone you don't know, it's important to verify that the profile belongs to a real person.


How to have more security on LinkedIn


We constantly come up with news about leaks of information on the Internet. With all the risks we are exposed to, it is necessary to adopt some practices that can bring more security.

Adopting unique and strong passwords is a very important step. Try not to repeat the combinations you use in different accounts and applications.

A tip for creating strong passwords is to avoid common words, names, and number sequences. Try combining lowercase and uppercase letters with symbols and numbers.

We also recommend managing access to your account. On the Access and Security page, you can control your active sessions. This lets you see where and on what type of device your account is connected to.

Regularly, you should disconnect from unknown sessions that you are not using. To do this, go to Active Sessions and click Sign out.


Two-step verification


Another essential step is to establish two-step verification. When it's turned on, it's impossible for anyone to use your account on another device without you knowing it.

To enable this setting, you must go to Settings and Privacy. In the Access and Security tab, you can press 2-step verification. Click activate and follow the on-screen instructions to enable the function.


Manage your data


You may be aware now, but LinkedIn, and all social networks, collect data about everyone. However, there are a few ways to control the information that is collected.

To control the use of the data, you must go to the Settings and Privacy page. Then click Data Privacy. In this tab, you can look at how your data is used and even download it whenever you want.

Also on the Data Privacy page, you can set some privacy controls for job search activities. You can also manage authorized services and data sharing

Don't forget, everything we do on the internet is registered forever. For this reason, it is very important to have control over our actions. Follow these tips to use LinkedIn more securely and ensure the privacy of your information.

If you liked the content, how about to share these tips with people you know who use LinkedIn?


How you can improve your security and privacy on LinkedIn

bottom of page