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How to Manage Your LinkedIn Security and Privacy

by LinkedIn Training

In this article you will learn how to manage your LinkedIn security and privacy to help navigate this platform safely and securely.

Some of the key areas to consider when better managing your LinkedIn security and privacy include password management, two-step verification, locking down some of your profile’s privacy settings, proactively reporting safety concerns and keeping your antivirus software up to date (PC users).

How to Manage your LinkedIn Security and Privacy

Cyber security and protecting your online identity is a modern issue we’re all learning to navigate better. There are a number of LinkedIn account security best practices you can follow for your LinkedIn profile to ensure you are managing your LinkedIn security and privacy as effectively as possible to help reduce the potential risk of your account being hacked or your data being exported and used by others. 

I like to err on the side of caution with my specific contact and personal details because I’m an inherently private person, do not want to receive unsolicited emails, have previously worked out who skimmed my credit card (why wait for the bank’s slow investigators when I could follow the trail myself), have successfully blocked an unwelcome attempt by someone impersonating me to port my mobile SIM card, was subsequently one of the people impacted by a cyber attack (not happy, Optus) and unsuccessfully reported a fake Instagram account, repurposing all my photos and copy in the name of promoting an investment scam. Meta’s response to this was unacceptably poor, and the account still exists.

Vent over. Let’s get on with my tips for how to better manage your LinkedIn security and privacy to help navigate this platform safely and securely for you.

Password Management for LinkedIn Security and Privacy

I have a few suggestions in relation to password management. Use a strong password, change your password every few months, consider the role of a password manager and activate two factor authentication via your LinkedIn profile. Select a strong password, with 10 or more characters, that can’t easily be guessed. Consider a meaningful phrase, song or quote and turn it into a complex password using the first letter of each word.  For example, you could randomly add capital letters, punctuation or symbols.  You could also substitute numbers for letters that look similar (for example, substitute “0” for “o” or “3” for “E”).

how to manage your LinkedIn security and privacy

I ran a LinkedIn poll to check what my LinkedIn community uses for password managers and recommends. I did use the free LastPass plan to manage my passwords, but plan to change this after what I have learnt while researching this article.

In PCMag’s article on The Best Password Managers for 2023 LastPass is reviewed. A quick google search will uncover other options and concerns about LastPass, including the views of Davey Windsor, a Senior Contributor to Forbes, four-decade veteran technology journalist and contributing editor at PC Pro magazine, about Why You Should Stop Using LastPass After New Hack Method Update.

In terms of password managers, Barry Collins, a consumer tech expert, in Leaving LastPass? Here’s Where To Go Next suggests:

It might be tempting to take the path of least resistance and store your passwords in a web browser. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox and others will readily volunteer to store your passwords, but it’s not the best place for them. 

I have two factor authentication activated via my LinkedIn profile, which is annoying for my Online Business Manager, who logs in and out of my profile from time to time (not recommended as best practice), but the extra security is important. Here’s how to turn two-step verification on and off via your LinkedIn profile.

I also recommend you schedule a reminder in your diary to update your LinkedIn password on a regular basis.   

Review & Manage Your LinkedIn Profile Privacy and Security Settings

The settings page in your LinkedIn profile allows you to manage your LinkedIn account settings, update your privacy and security settings, and set your preferences for how frequently you’re contacted. At the top of the page, you’ll also see an overview of your account details, including your profile headline, number of connections, and what Premium accounts you currently have, if any.

How to Manage Your LinkedIn Security and PrivacyThe Settings page is organised into six sections to help you easily view and modify your account information, privacy preferences, ads settings, and communication notifications. I recommend you take the time to familiarise yourself with these settings, and make a note to check these every 6-12 months, as they are regularly changing.

Account preferences: Manage your basic profile information for your LinkedIn experience, networking, subscriptions, and more.

Sign in & security: Manage the settings that keep your account secure.

Visibility: Control who can see your profile, network, and LinkedIn activity.

Data Privacy: Configure privacy and security settings related to how LinkedIn uses your data, job seeking preferences, and other applications.

Advertising data: Control the information that LinkedIn uses to show you relevant ads by adjusting your account’s ads settings.

Notifications: Enable or disable the types of notifications you want to receive and how often you wish to receive them.

Limit Visibility and Access to Your Email for LinkedIn Security and Privacy

Unless you are in a sales or client facing role and you want to make your email and mobile readily available to potential clients, it is unlikely that you need to make your email address easily accessible to your LinkedIn connections. If they want to contact you, they can message you via LinkedIn.

How to Manage Your LinkedIn Security and Privacy

In your privacy settings you can restrict access to your connections viewing your email, which stops new connections from exporting your email and adding you to an email list without your permission (it happens!). This is another way to manage your LinkedIn security and privacy.

Report Inappropriate Content or Safety Concerns for LinkedIn Security and Privacy

I’m vigilant about this one and will block and report any new LinkedIn connections who do the wrong thing. If you’re concerned about inappropriate or unsafe content on LinkedIn, you can report the content directly on the site. LinkedIn requests that you please only report items that are inappropriate as defined in LinkedIn’s Community Guidelines and User Agreement. A difference of opinion isn’t an appropriate reason to flag something.

You can read more here from LinkedIn about how to recognise and report spam, inappropriate, and abusive content. You may also like to view LinkedIn’s Privacy Policy.

Keep Your Antivirus Software Up to Date

This is a PC issue and in The Best Antivirus Software for 2023, Neil J. Rubenking, PCMag’s expert on security, privacy, and identity protection tests and reviews more than 40 utilities to help you pick the best antivirus protection.

Need help with LinkedIn?

Browse Think Bespoke’s website library and knowledge base for helpful articles about LinkedIn Training, LinkedIn Profile, LinkedIn Marketing and Career Management.

Karen Hollenbach

Karen Hollenbach

As the Founding Director of Think Bespoke I help individuals and organisations unlock their potential with LinkedIn. Sign up to my E-insights for LinkedIn tips.

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