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Is LinkedIn safe to use?

Safe with care

Safe as a professional network, but fake recruiters and job scams are a growing problem.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Microsoft
Based in
Sunnyvale, USA
Encryption
Messages are not end-to-end encrypted.
Data it collects
CV details, connections, activity and, unless you opt out, data for AI training.
Minimum age
16+

What keeps you safe

  • Verification badges for workplaces and identity.
  • Two-step verification.

Risks to know about

  • Ireland fined LinkedIn €310 million in 2024 over behavioural advertising.
  • Fake recruiters, including state-backed hackers, send malware disguised as coding tests.
  • Profile data was scraped at massive scale in 2021.

Scams to watch for on LinkedIn

  • Fake job offers asking you to pay for training or equipment.
  • "Coding test" files that install malware.
  • Investment pitches from new connections.

Is LinkedIn legit?

LinkedIn is legit and owned by Microsoft.

Is it safe for kids?

Minimum age 16.

How to use LinkedIn safely

  1. Turn off "Data for Generative AI Improvement".

  2. Check a recruiter's company page and verification badge.

  3. Never run files sent for interviews.

Where LinkedIn is restricted

Does a VPN make LinkedIn safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop LinkedIn collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is LinkedIn safe to use?

Safe as a professional network, but fake recruiters and job scams are a growing problem.

Is LinkedIn legit?

LinkedIn is legit and owned by Microsoft.

Is LinkedIn encrypted?

Messages are not end-to-end encrypted.

What data does LinkedIn collect?

CV details, connections, activity and, unless you opt out, data for AI training.

Is LinkedIn safe for kids?

Minimum age 16.

Does a VPN make LinkedIn safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on LinkedIn. It does not stop LinkedIn itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources