Before we look at setting up your LinkedIn account, I wanted first to look at how you could go about protecting your LinkedIn account. In 2012, LinkedIn was hacked and many passwords were stolen. What became apparent from this event was that some passwords were in common use. This made it much easier to hack someone’s personal account. So what can you do to protect your account?
- Make sure that you have anti-viral and firewall software installed. Also ensure that it is up to date.
- In addition, make sure that you have run all other software up dates e.g. Windows
- Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. And especially don’t click on any links. These could take you to phishing site – websites designed to mimic existing sites. Don’t click on the email, just delete it.
- Watch out for scams on Facebook too. A recent one was offering free Kindles from a major UK retailer. The Facebook page was called Tesco. which was obviously so similar to Tesco that many people were fooled (2 of my friends shared it with me!) and clicked on the link to provide their details to enter the competition. If it sounds too good too be true, it usually is!
- Use strong passwords. I’ll show you how in the next post.
- Change your passwords frequently. Having worked for the NHS in the UK, all our systems were set up to force us to change passwords regularly. This led to people creating systems for their different passwords. Be careful with this.
If a hacker wanted to hack your account, then they quite probably could if they spent enough time at it. Don’t make it easy for them. If they have to work hard, then they may well give up and move onto the next person.