LinkedIn, the professional social media platform, is taking measures to combat the rise in fake accounts created by scammers with more sophisticated and convincing profiles. These fake accounts are being used to spam people, distribute malware, and trick unsuspecting individuals into giving away their personal data. With its wealth of professional information, including job history and contact details, LinkedIn is an attractive target for cyber criminals seeking to exploit this data.

To address the issue of fake accounts, LinkedIn is introducing new verification features in the coming months. This authentication process will be an improvement over the current system, which has proven to be insufficient in preventing the creation of fraudulent accounts.

Microsoft, the owner of LinkedIn, is partnering with Clear, a secure identity platform, to verify accounts through work email addresses, government-issued identification, and phone numbers. Although this new feature is currently being tested in the United States, it is expected to be rolled out worldwide if it proves successful.

Once the necessary information has been submitted, accounts will receive a verification mark, similar to the system used by Twitter. However, unlike Twitter, LinkedIn will not charge a fee for this service.

LinkedIn is an excellent platform for connecting with other professionals and exploring new job opportunities. With these new verification features, LinkedIn aims to create a safer and more secure environment for its members. By detecting and preventing fake accounts, LinkedIn hopes to continue providing a valuable service to its users.

Next Steps

Are you looking for a new IT service provider? Check out our free guide that explains how to choose your next IT service provider for some quick tips to get you started! Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call with someone from our team to see if we’re a good mutual fit!