Malware on LinkedIn and how to defend yourself

Hackers have been targeting Facebook and Twitter with malicious links to fool users to install malware that will reveal sensitive data that can be exploited for criminal causes. Now it seems that LinkedIn is not being touched by these type of hackers. The hackers on Facebook try to trick user by sending them shocking links like the fake rollercoaster accident. This tactic would not work on LinkedIn because the social media platform is mostly used by people that are interested to network in their working expertise.
There are some types of hackers on LinkedIn, the types that create fake accounts which then add multiple people to collect information from them, which then again is used for criminal activities. These activities could be setting up fake pages with your personal information.

But at the moment LinkedIn will be targeted with malicious links that will trick the users in installing malware on their devices this could have an immediate impact on the network which they are in.

What if 

What if an hacker would create an malicious website that would be titled "Shocking: Wall street officer leaks future stock plans" - a lot of people on LinkedIn would be interested in those pictures. As it is normal for people to be curious about content it would be plausible that people would click on the malicious link and then would be prompted to download the pictures that are loaded with malware. The malware would then use the LinkedIn profile to share the same malicious link which would lead to an massive attack on LinkedIn and the users business network.

Arm yourself

Now it is possible to defend yourself against these type of attacks. You just need to follow some simple rules.

1. Configure your Security settings in your LinkedIn profile. 
2. Configure your Privacy settings in your LinkedIn profile. 
3. Don't just add everyone that sends you a request. Make sure that it is legitimate. 
4. Make sure you have an anti-virus installed 
5. Verify links if you do not trust them. You can always message the user that posted it.