New research reveals that more than half of businesses in Canada, the UK, and the US have been targeted by at least one scam on LinkedIn this year. However, a security expert has warned that the Middle East could be the next region to face such scams.
According to Rich Davis, Head of Security Solutions EMEA at Neskope, threat actors typically test and refine their scams in English-speaking countries before moving on to target other regions. Davis believes that the Middle East could be the next wave of campaigns as threat actors have identified that their tactics work.
The research conducted by NordLayer shows that large companies are the most affected by LinkedIn scams, with the most common form being connection requests from unknown individuals containing suspicious links. Fake job offers accounted for 47 percent of scams, while phishing attempts, connection requests from unfamiliar people with suspicious links, and fake tech support were also prevalent.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that trust is abused in these LinkedIn scams, both in the LinkedIn brand and the companies using the platform. Attackers aim to lure users through fake job advertisements and establish a seemingly trustworthy relationship with victims through regular dialogue.
As these scams become more personalized and deceptive, LinkedIn users must remain vigilant and cautious, even when messages appear professional. The report urges individuals and businesses to maintain a strong security posture and be aware of the tactics employed by cybercriminals on the platform.
