LinkedIn is an online platform that most of us use in some way or other, even if just to post a CV. However, security expert Brian Krebs discovered many fake profiles on the app claiming to be CIOs from various international companies. These counterfeit profiles had no real relationship with the companies they supposedly worked for.

Given this worrying situation, it is important to address two fundamental aspects: how to prevent the proliferation of fake LinkedIn profiles and protect companies from possible fraud or deception. You must be vigilant to carefully check the profiles that you interact with.

LinkedIn has been constantly working to address the issue of fake profiles on its platform. They publish semi-annual reports revealing the number of counterfeit accounts blocked. Between the beginning of 2019 and the middle of 2022, around 140 million fake accounts were blocked!  Most fake profiles are automatically detected and blocked, representing 95.4% in the first half of 2022.

Fake profiles on LinkedIn can pose significant security risks. In 2022, scammers used fake LinkedIn profiles to attack Sky Mavis, a game developer company. An employee was tricked with a fake job offer and sent an infected PDF. This allowed them to access the company network and steal keys used to validate transactions, resulting in the loss of more than $500 million worth of cryptocurrency.

Fake profiles on LinkedIn pose security risks, such as theft of sensitive information. Protecting businesses from these risks is important, such as removing counterfeit profiles and verifying the information provided.

LinkedIn is working to address the problem of fake profiles on its platform by blocking millions of fake accounts.  But you should be vigilant and carefully check the profiles they interact with to avoid fraud and deception. 

Alvaro.gonzalez@batsoft.co.uk