3 Steps To Get LinkedIn Verified

Happy Data Privacy Week 2024! Recently, I came across a post addressing concerns about sharing passports with LinkedIn for identity verification. These concerns are absolutely valid. It's worth noting that identity verification on LinkedIn is carried out through LinkedIn trusted partners and is only available in select geographical locations.

As a cybersecurity professional, I'm well aware that data breaches are not a matter of "if" but "when." An unfortunate case in point is the most recent data breach which is being dubbed the mother of all breaches (MOAB) involving NO LESS than 26 BILLION records associated with LinkedIn, Twitter, Dropbox, Adobe, Canva, as well as various U. S. government organizations (Source: Forbes).

A little over a month ago, I found that someone had used my LinkedIn profile picture to set up a fake recruiter profile on LinkedIn. I responded by notifying my network of the fake profile, as well as, reporting the account to LinkedIn. LinkedIn used their workplace verification process to verify that my account was legit and provided me with their workplace verification shield.  This was transparent and effortless on my part, thank you LinkedIn !

Opting to use your workplace email to verify your account on LinkedIn is a less intrusive alternative compared to sharing a government issued ID card, driver's license, or passport. Note, currently LinkedIn's workplace verification method is eligible to limited companies. If your company provides you with a LinkedIn Learning license, then you may very well be able to take advantage of LinkedIn's workplace verification program. 

Data Privacy is a balance. On one hand we love apps like LinkedIn that provide us with easy opportunities to build our professional network. On the other hand, anything connected to the internet comes with risks. Just as companies have to determine their risk appetite, we as individuals must determine our own risk appetites. This article is not an endorsement for getting verified but simply elevating LinkedIn's options to get verified. As such, LinkedIn offers several ways to get verified including identity verification, workplace verification, or educational institutional verification.

If you choose to get verified, LinkedIn has made the process a breeze for its end users. The simplicity of using your work email could not be easier. You can complete the verification process in three quick steps, starting right from your profile.

Step 1: From your profile, select “More”

Step 2: Select “About this profile”

Step 3: Select “Verify”

As for sharing sensitive data with applications and other entities, my suggestion is to weigh your risks. If you decide you want in, choose the least invasive path and trust your instincts! If you're unsure about a request for your personal information, consider opting out. Remember, the fear of missing out (FOMO) is real; acknowledge the feeling and in the words of Nancy Reagan, “just say no!”

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#privacy #infosec #cybersecurity