How to Stay Safe and Secure on LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become more than just a job-hunting tool—it’s a personal branding platform, networking hub, and business development resource. But as its popularity grows, so do the risks. From fake profiles and phishing messages to data privacy concerns and impersonation, users—especially newcomers—need to be alert.

Related: LinkedIn Writing Tips

Many professionals overlook LinkedIn safety tips or simply don’t explore the platform’s built-in privacy settings. But ignoring these features could leave you exposed to everything from LinkedIn scams to identity theft.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to stay protected on LinkedIn, avoid the most common threats, and apply LinkedIn security tips that every user—whether job-seeker or CEO—should know. If you’re wondering how to protect your LinkedIn profile or looking for a LinkedIn cybersecurity guide, you’re in the right place.

By the end of this blog, you’ll understand how to stay safe and secure on LinkedIn, implement smarter security settings, and feel confident navigating the platform safely.

1. Update and Review Your LinkedIn Privacy Settings

Your first line of defense is your LinkedIn privacy settings. From who can see your email to who can download your data, there’s a lot you can control.

Here's how to adjust them:

Go to Settings & Privacy from your profile dropdown

Navigate to the Visibility, Data Privacy, and Security sections

Limit visibility of your connections

Hide your activity when updating your profile

Control who can find your profile using email or phone

These LinkedIn privacy controls allow you to make your profile professional without oversharing. It’s the easiest way to begin securing your digital presence.

2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This one’s simple and effective. Enable LinkedIn two-factor authentication (2FA) under Settings > Sign in & security.

It adds an extra layer of protection in case your password is compromised—especially important if you use the same password across multiple platforms (which you shouldn’t!).

2FA helps with LinkedIn account protection, reducing your chances of getting hacked.

3. Be Smart About Connection Requests

Just because someone sends you a connection request doesn’t mean you have to accept it. This is where LinkedIn connection risks come in.

Some fake accounts pose as recruiters or professionals just to gather your personal information or phish your network.

Before accepting:

Look at their mutual connections

Check their work history

Review their profile photo and engagement

This simple vetting process can help you stay protected on LinkedIn and avoid unnecessary risks.

4. Watch Out for Phishing Scams on LinkedIn

LinkedIn isn’t immune to phishing. You might receive messages that look like job offers, interview invitations, or prize notifications. These are common phishing scams on LinkedIn designed to trick you into clicking malicious links.

Tip: Never click on links from unknown contacts. And if something feels “off,” it probably is.

5. Avoid Oversharing on Your Profile

It’s tempting to list every job detail, email, and phone number. But oversharing is a classic LinkedIn security mistake. Keep your profile professional, but avoid personal contact details unless absolutely necessary.

This helps prevent identity theft on LinkedIn and minimizes the chances of becoming a target for scams or spam.

6. Know How to Report Suspicious Activity

See something strange? Don’t ignore it.

Use the Report function on profiles, messages, or content to alert LinkedIn of suspicious activity. They take LinkedIn scam detection seriously and often remove fraudulent accounts swiftly.

You’re not only protecting yourself—you’re helping the wider LinkedIn community stay safe.

7. Log Out of Shared Devices

If you ever access LinkedIn from a public or shared computer, always log out. Also, periodically review devices where you’re signed in under Settings > Security > Where you’re signed in.

This is a critical but often ignored LinkedIn account safety tip that keeps your sessions private.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I protect my LinkedIn account from hackers?

Activate two-factor authentication, use a strong password, review your LinkedIn privacy settings, and don’t accept suspicious connection requests.

2. What are the most common LinkedIn scams?

Scams include fake job offers, prize messages, and suspicious recruiters. These are part of ongoing social engineering on LinkedIn tactics.

3. How can I report fake profiles on LinkedIn?

Go to the profile > Click “More” > Select “Report” > Choose the appropriate reason like Fake Profile or Suspicious Activity.

4. Should I connect with strangers on LinkedIn?

Not always. Connecting with people without vetting them increases LinkedIn connection risks and exposes you to spam or fraud.

5. What security settings should I enable on LinkedIn?

Enable LinkedIn two-factor authentication, restrict profile visibility, limit email and phone number exposure, and hide profile changes.

Bonus: Secure LinkedIn Browsing Habits

Some simple actions can add an extra layer of protection when using LinkedIn:

Always access LinkedIn from a secure network

Don’t reuse passwords

Use the official LinkedIn mobile app

Avoid clicking shortened URLs from unknown sources

Don’t download attachments unless verified

These LinkedIn security features and habits can make all the difference.

Extra Tips for Professionals: Best LinkedIn Privacy Settings to Use

Here are the best LinkedIn privacy settings for professionals:

Use these settings to make your LinkedIn profile secure and private without compromising visibility to recruiters.

Starting a LinkedIn Makeover Service?

If you’re helping clients build their professional brand, understanding security is just as crucial as optimizing their content.

In your LinkedIn makeover services, include:

Setup of LinkedIn privacy settings

Advice on avoiding LinkedIn connection risks

Education on LinkedIn scam prevention

Implementation of LinkedIn profile protection tips

Steps to protect LinkedIn accounts from phishing or fraud

Use phrases like “LinkedIn account security” or “how to avoid LinkedIn fraud” in your service pages to attract professionals serious about both visibility and protection.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn is a powerful tool—but like any platform, it comes with risks. The good news? Staying safe doesn’t require tech wizardry—just awareness and a few smart moves.

Your career is too important to risk it on scams or weak settings. Let’s get your LinkedIn profile protected and polished.