Staying safe on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a public platform, however you can control how you share things and what they can see about you as a user.
We’ll explore some simple steps to help you feel comfortable using the platform. To access ‘Settings’, tap your profile image in the top left.
Starting with your access, you set up a password at the point of registration, but you can also double up on this security using two-step verification found in ‘Settings’ then ‘Sign in & Security’ section. Meaning you can either use the ‘Microsoft authenticator app’ or a text message to verify your access. Adding an extra layer to gain access to your profile and account will make it harder for your account to be hacked. For the Microsoft authenticator app (Android or iPhone) you will need to have the app installed on your device, LinkedIn will explain what you do to setup.
Visibility
Found in ‘Settings’ and ‘Visibility’ you can control who sees your activity and information on LinkedIn. Below we’ll explore options you can choose. LinkedIn explains clearly what each setting offers for you.
- Your profile – whether you are visible on the site or not
- Story viewing – whether creators can see you’ve viewed their story.
- Edit my Public Profile – allowing you to personalise your URL, through to how visible your profile elements are.
- Email visibility – how accessible is your email address
- Connections – are your connections visible
- Last name visibility – This allows you to hide your full name until a connection is made
- Organisations and interests – Choose if you are shown with content about your employer or interests.
There are other options in this section which covers visibility and discovery of you through your communication methods and the app. It’s worth taking some time to set these to an acceptable level on the app, that you are comfortable with.
Blocking and reporting
If you are worried or being harassed by a user on LinkedIn, you can choose to ‘Report or Block’ them on their profile. Watch this quick video below about reporting inappropriate content to LinkedIn.
Data privacy
LinkedIn provides a user lots of options around your data control, from controlling what is stored to how your data helps provide insight that can be used by others.
As with visibility it’s worth taking a moment to explore the options in here and regularly check what data you are sharing. You can ask LinkedIn for a copy of this data too.
Advertising preferences and data collected
LinkedIn uses your data and interests to provide relevant advertisements or job adverts.
As with the other sections in here, your data and LinkedIn are used by the app. Take your time understanding these
Hopefully this gives you some options for you to consider as you start using the app. It’s worth noting the LinkedIn app has a help section, where you can ask questions or search common themes.
To find this handy feature, simply click your profile and at the bottom of the screen is the ‘Help Centre’.
This is an independent article and is neither affiliated with, nor authorised, sponsored, or approved by LinkedIn Corporation. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. There are other services available and Barclays does not specifically endorse or recommend the use of the services mentioned in this article.
LinkedIn, the LinkedIn logo, the IN logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of LinkedIn Corporation and its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.
