We’ve all read and heard about compromised social media accounts and the subsequent effects, such as; account takeover, impersonations (Catfishing) and a more recent trend, Phishing.
However, whilst many of us are equipped with the knowledge of good online security hygiene, there’s still a fair number of users that fall victim to such attacks, due to a lack of rudimentary security control implementation and solidifying that with consistency across all online platforms.
As we’re on Linkedin, the social network for professionals, I thought it’d be fitting to take a look at a few basic but mature controls you can apply to better safe guard your account.
Change your password often – Whether we like it or not, most of us still re-use passwords for varying online platforms and for that reason, I’d recommend that if you do, change your password often. If one of your accounts unfortunately gets compromised, then a password being used on many accounts, effectively becomes the key to your online kingdom. (Having trouble remembering all your passwords? Then get a password manager. There are some good ones available – for free).
Remember to log out – When using shared or public devices, remember to sign out of the account and log off the device.
Only accept ‘Connection Requests’ you trust – It’s really easy to fall into the habit of accepting every unfamiliar connection request that comes your way(a lot of people do), but have you ever thought to consider; who the person is, why they’d like to connect and what you’ll both gain from being Linkedin connections(because it is a two way street after all). If in doubt carry out some small due diligence (online searches etc).
And in closing, the mother of them all: Implement Two-Factor Authentication aka 2FA. Two-Factor authentication is a method in which a user is given access only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism: You’ll be required to provide any two of the following:
1) Something you know. (i.e a Password)
2) Something you have. (i.e an SMS verification code)
3) Something you are. (i.e a Form of biometrics)
LinkedIn have provided a relatively short and sharp overview of 2FA and how to set it up. The steps are easy to follow and won’t take up more than five minutes of your time.
The Linkedin resource can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/531/two-step-verification-overview?lang=en
If you haven’t enabled 2FA by now, I’d recommend you do so. (While you’re at it, why not review your other online accounts and their security controls).
And please, safeguard your online presence – it is your brand after all.
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