LinkedIn Increases Authentication to Combat Fraudulent Hiring Practices

In a bid to strengthen trust between businesses and potential candidates, LinkedIn is implementing new measures to authenticate users on its professional networking platform. The social media giant is introducing stricter identity checks for recruiters and hiring managers, as well as verifying companies with paid Premium Company Pages.

One of the key tools in LinkedIn's arsenal is a vetting process for users claiming executive titles such as "Vice President" or "Managing Director". This process is designed to confirm the employment and position of these individuals. LinkedIn emphasizes that preventing impersonation at the executive level is essential to preserving companies' reputation.

The verification of companies is an extension of a feature previously limited to select organisations. LinkedIn's verification updates are a response to the growing problem of recruitment-related fraud. According to international watchdog data, job scam reports have more than doubled over the past two years.

Recruitment-related fraud has become a significant concern, with fake recruiting agencies targeting job seekers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued alerts about such scams. To combat this, LinkedIn's verification initiatives aim to block recruitment scams before they reach their targets.

Bitdefender, a cybersecurity company, is also contributing to this fight with its specialized tool, Scamio. Scamio uses AI to detect scams on various platforms, including web and messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Discord. This user-friendly second opinion is powered by Bitdefender's extensive threat detection expertise and constantly updated database of scam techniques.

Scamio analyzes suspicious content, such as job offer messages, links, emails, or QR codes, and delivers a verdict with guidance on next steps. For instance, if a job offer appears suspicious, Scamio might flag it as potentially dangerous and advise the user to exercise caution.

LinkedIn itself conducts recruiter verification to secure professional networks through its internal recruiter verification system. This system adds a layer of security in hiring processes on the platform. Additionally, third-party biometric verification companies like authID provide advanced verification and deepfake detection technology used in remote hiring contexts, which may support identity verification, although they are not explicitly named as responsible for LinkedIn account verification.

By implementing these new measures, LinkedIn aims to strengthen trust between businesses and potential candidates, ensuring a safer and more authentic professional networking experience for all its users.