It happens, even on LinkedIn.

This isn't a fun topic, but I feel compelled to empower you in light of all the digital security breaches. I have had 2 clients recently come to me to rebuild their LinkedIn Profiles after being hacked.

Luckily, in both cases, they did not lose all their contacts, just ALL of their content and work history, etc. You have to start from scratch.

When was the last time you looked at your resume? Do you have one?

What do you do first?

LinkedIn is pretty touchy about security, so report it as soon as you notice. More info here. You will need your D.L. or passport.

They will also require you to turn on two-step verification. So be prepared. LinkedIn is pretty responsive about hacked accounts. Usually within 24 hours.

Who is most likely to get hacked?

They seem to target inactive accounts. If you haven't logged into your account in a while, DO SO RIGHT NOW. Get into the habit of logging in once a week at the least.

Hackers are patient. They 'observe' accounts for a long time. And, when they hack, they enable two-step verification with their own phone. You have no chance of accessing with help internally from LinkedIn.

Weak passwords are also easy prey.

My granddaughter hacked my phone when she was 3 by asking me what my favorite # was and using my pets' names. Then, she took 72 selfies. Mostly up her nose. I still have them in my phone, she's 14 now and horrified every time I show her.

What can you do to protect yourself?

1. Use one of those ridiculous encrypted passwords and a password service like 1 Password. My IT Friends tell me this one is best.

2. Login to your LinkedIn account at least once a week.

3. Verify your account. Verified accounts are far less likely to be hacked. It uses the airport security company Clear. Learn more here.

4. Turn on your two-step verification in your LinkedIn settings.

5. Use Passkeys instead of traditional passwords

As a safety precaution, once a quarter, archive your profile content and connections. That is a solid backup plan should you lose everything.

And avoid ALL third-party automation. If you have an admin or V.A. accessing your profile, create a VPN for them.

If you are active on LinkedIn, this really isn't something you need to get too worked-up about. In ALL hacking cases that I have heard of, the target is an inactive account.

Until next time... 

Angela

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Recently I discussed LinkedIn on the Sales Reinvented Podcast.

IMHO it is by far the best episode I've recorded. Great resources included.

Access the full episode here.
Episode #394: Be Passionate on Your LinkedIn Profile.

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