Hackers Target LinkedIn Users Primarily For Phishing

Last updated on May 26th, 2022 at 04:19 am

LinkedIn users are increasingly targeted by phishing campaigns. In recent weeks, network audits have shown that the social media platform for professionals accounted for 52% of all phishing scams worldwide in the first quarter of 2022.

Most Preferable Phishing Spot

According to various reports, this is the first time that hackers use LinkedIn more than any technology giant brand such as Apple, Google and Microsoft.

Checkpoint security company noted that social media networks have now overtaken transportation, retail and technology as the most targeted groups by criminal groups.

Also Read: Top 5 Most Popular & Successful Hackers In India 2022

Phishing attacks show a 44 percent increase over the previous quarter, when LinkedIn came in fifth with just eight percent of phishing efforts. LinkedIn now surpasses DHL as the most targeted brand.

The second category is currently targeted at transportation. DHL now ranks second with 14% of total phishing efforts during the quarter.

The latest checkpoint security report shows that intimidators use social media as a primary target. Hackers contact LinkedIn users via an official email to lure them into clicking on a malicious link.

LinkedIn Data Leaks & Attacks

Given that 92% of LinkedIn user data was leaked in 2021, it is not surprising that cybercriminals have stepped up attacks using LinkedIn data.

The cyber attacks on LinkedIn are on the rise and the gateway to ransomware is phishing.

As phishing continues to grow as a tool for ransomware attacks, zero-hour, real-time threat prevention solutions are critical to stopping these threats.

Also Read: Security concerns for iPhone users, crypto hackers aim to crack the software

After being tricked, users are faced with a login page to a fake portal where hackers collect their credentials.

A fake website often contains a form that is intended to steal user information, payment details or other personal information of users.

Why Are They Targeting On LinkedIn?

Archie Agarwal, founder and CEO of ThreatModeler said that hackers target LinkedIn users for two key reasons.

• Phishing is a trust-based digital game. Abuse of victims’ trust in their LinkedIn network is a natural alternative to phishing on corporate sites.
• Another advantage of targeting LinkedIn users is that it is easy to identify the person and estimate their financial goals.

How to Avoid LikedIn Scams?

To avoid LinkedIn scams, simply imagine that the same message arrives in your work inbox via email. Use the same training you received to identify phishing scams.

Try only to contact people you have met or those who have been formally introduced to you.

LinkedIn should also take all the required actions and try to find and remove fake profiles immediately.