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Aug 16, 2023
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The Rising Anxiety Over LinkedIn Account Takeover Claims

In an age dominated by the digital, online platforms like LinkedIn have become vital components of our professional identities. But as we increasingly rely on these tools, concerns about their security inevitably rise. Recently, murmurs of potential LinkedIn account takeovers have emerged, raising alarm bells for many. Let’s unpack the current landscape.

First and foremost, there has been no official word from LinkedIn. As of now, they have provided no clarification or acknowledgment regarding any security issues. This is particularly disconcerting when juxtaposed against the cacophony of user complaints across various platforms, from Reddit to Twitter and even Microsoft forums. An increasing number of LinkedIn aficionados claim unauthorized access or other anomalous activities on their accounts.

User Complaints on Twitter
User Complaints on Twitter (Source: BleepingComputer)

Furthermore, it’s not just personal anecdotes and isolated reports painting this picture. Google Trends, a reliable gauge of public sentiment and concern, shows a significant uptick in searches for “Linkedin hacked” and “LinkedIn account hacked.” This is not just a handful of worried users but appears to be a broader audience seeking answers.

Google Trends for “Linkedin hacked” and “Linkedin account hacked.”
Google Trends for “Linkedin hacked” and “Linkedin account hacked.” (Source: BleepingComputer)

But how are these breaches occurring? In the absence of an official announcement of a direct data leak from LinkedIn, we must entertain other theories. Methods like brute force attacks come to mind, especially against accounts without two-step verification. Another plausible avenue is credential stuffing—where attackers, armed with previously leaked username-password pairs, try their luck on multiple platforms.

Deepening concerns, there are clear indications of LinkedIn data scrapings available on the dark web. This is not LinkedIn’s first encounter with such issues; previously, data of 500 million profiles was allegedly up for grabs. A recent snapshot from the SOCRadar platform shows one of the recent listings.

In a hacker forum monitored by SOCRadar, a database leak allegedly scraped from LinkedIn in 2021 was detected on July 11, 2023.
In a hacker forum monitored by SOCRadar, a database leak allegedly scraped from LinkedIn in 2021 was detected on July 11, 2023.

Amidst all these uncertainties, platforms like SOCRadar stand as sentinels. With its robust Threat Hunting and Digital Risk Protection capabilities, the SOCRadar platform has been instrumental in identifying and potentially thwarting cyber threats, especially concerning social media accounts. Such tools are increasingly becoming non-negotiable in our digital-first world.

In conclusion, while we all hope for clarity from LinkedIn soon, it is a clarion call for individual vigilance. Let’s fortify our online profiles with robust passwords, embrace two-step verification, and consistently monitor for anything amiss. After all, in this interconnected era, our online persona is not just a profile—it is an extension of ourselves.

Guarding Your LinkedIn: Proactive Steps for Every User

Embrace Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security. Even if attackers get hold of your password, they’ll need access to your secondary device or email to break in.

Regular Password Updates: Adopt a habit of changing your LinkedIn password periodically. Ensure it’s unique and not reused across multiple platforms.

Stay Informed: Regularly check LinkedIn’s official channels and trusted cybersecurity platforms for updates on potential threats and how to combat them.

Be Wary of Suspicious Links: If you receive unexpected or unsolicited messages containing links, even from known connections, approach with caution.

Regular Account Review: Periodically review the ‘Where You’re Signed In’ section on LinkedIn to monitor any unfamiliar devices or locations.

Harnessing SOCRadar’s Power: Comprehensive Protection for Your Social Media

Discover Data Breaches with Free Tools: One invaluable offering from SOCRadar is their free tool, Account Breach, which enables individuals and companies to check if their email accounts or company domain names have been mentioned in data breach sets available on the dark web. This means before panic sets in, you can be a step ahead, verifying if your data might be compromised.

Account Breach, a free SOCRadar LABS tool.
Account Breach, a free SOCRadar LABS tool.

Threat Hunting Capabilities of SOCRadar: Curious about what might be lurking in the shadows of the dark web concerning you or your company? SOCRadar’s Breach Datasets and Threat Hunting modules provide an insightful dive into this hidden realm, showcasing any data or mentions related to you. By equipping yourself with this knowledge, you can prepare and act accordingly, potentially preventing any unforeseen digital crises.

Digital Risk Protection for Social Media Accounts: Protecting your social media presence is crucial in today’s digital landscape. SOCRadar offers dedicated solutions to monitor and shield your social media profiles from potential threats and data breaches.

Timely Alerts: Through real-time monitoring, SOCRadar ensures you receive instant notifications about potential threats, such as mentions of keywords related to you or your company. This allows for rapid response, mitigating risks before they escalate into tangible damage.

Comprehensive Digital Footprint Analysis: SOCRadar can provide an overview of your company’s entire digital presence, highlighting areas of potential risk and offering solutions to seal those gaps.