How Secure are Gmail, Yahoo, and LinkedIn: Key Risks

By Alex Carter on October 4, 2024

Online security is a top priority for people and companies who communicate and network through digital platforms. Gmail, Yahoo, and LinkedIn are well-known services, and each has unique security risks and procedures. By being aware of these platforms’ security features and any risks, users may take the appropriate safety measures to protect their accounts and data.

When assessing the security of platforms such as Gmail, Yahoo, and LinkedIn, it is critical to consider personal account security. A critical step is to determine How Strong Is My Password, as weak credentials might make accounts susceptible despite platform security measures.

Is Gmail Secure?

Gmail offers security features like Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt emails in transit, but its effectiveness depends on whether the recipient’s email provider also supports TLS. If not, messages could be intercepted.

While emails stored on Gmail servers are encrypted, Google controls the encryption keys, allowing access for compliance, security monitoring, or advertising data analysis. Although Google no longer scans emails for targeted ads, privacy concerns remain, especially for users worried about data retention.

Unlike end-to-end encryption (E2EE), which ensures only the sender and recipient can read messages, Gmail’s encryption still allows access by Google. For full privacy, users may need to rely on third-party encrypted email services or additional security tools.

How to Keep Your Gmail Secure

Even with Gmail’s built-in security features, users should take extra actions to secure their accounts:

• Use strong, unique passwords if passkeys are unavailable;
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security;
• Avoid suspicious links and phishing emails;
• Use encryption for highly sensitive content.

Users who are worried about data privacy and third-party access should check security settings and look into encrypted email solutions, even though Gmail is still one of the most secure popular email providers.

Is Yahoo Secure?

Yahoo Mail is still a popular email service, but big security breaches have harmed its reputation. While the platform has improved, previous events raise worries about its overall security. Yahoo had the greatest known data breach in history, affecting all 3 billion accounts in two main assaults that took place in 2013 and 2014 but were only found in 2016.

Numerous personal user records, including names, email addresses, and phone numbers, were made public by these hacks. Account security was also seriously threatened by the hacking of security questions and answers. Additionally, dates of birth and other private data were made public, increasing the possibility of fraud and identity theft. The security issue was made worse by hackers who reportedly used phony site cookies to get access to accounts without needing passwords.

Yahoo’s Security Measures Today

Since the breaches, Yahoo has strengthened its security with measures like:

• End-to-end encryption for emails;
• Support for two-factor authentication (2FA);
• Detection of suspicious login attempts.

However, Yahoo’s past Account Key feature—designed to eliminate passwords—was discontinued for new accounts, and it has not adopted the same level of modern passkey authentication as Google.

How to Keep Your Yahoo Account Secure

For those still using Yahoo Mail, more measures are required:

• Passwords should be strong, unique, and updated on a regular basis;
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent illegal access;
• Be aware of phishing scams and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

While Yahoo has made attempts to strengthen security, previous attacks emphasize the necessity of remaining watchful and updating account security settings.

How Secure Is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is the leading professional networking tool, yet it has rapidly been a target for cyber attacks. While online security conversations frequently focus on social media sites such as Facebook or Telegram, LinkedIn has become a hotspot for phishing attempts, identity theft, and corporate espionage.

Cybercriminals use LinkedIn’s trusted platform to carry out fraudulent operations, creating phony profiles for:

• Distributing phishing links under the guise of professional messages;
• Conducting fraudulent job offers to steal sensitive personal information;
• Infiltrating corporate networks by compromising employee accounts.

To counter these threats, LinkedIn has introduced automatic warnings that alert users when messages contain suspicious requests to move conversations off-platform. If a sender insists on shifting discussions elsewhere, consider the motive—it may be an attempt to evade LinkedIn’s security measures.

LinkedIn Data Breach History

Numerous data breaches have occurred on LinkedIn since 2012, compromising user passwords and private data. Hackers stole 167 million user information, including passwords and usernames, in 2012. It wasn’t until 2016 that LinkedIn discovered the incident and asked impacted users to change their passwords. Another hack in 2016 revealed 117 million password and email combinations, which were then offered for sale on the dark web. In response, LinkedIn mandated that compromised accounts have their passwords changed.

Although no financial information was exposed, 700 million individuals’ names, emails, phone numbers, and work titles were among the 700 million pieces of data that hackers were able to access in 2018. 700 million members’ contact and work-related information was stolen from LinkedIn in the 2021 breach and then sold on a hacker forum.

In order to lower the danger of unwanted access, these security events highlight the need of creating strong passwords, turning on two-factor authentication (2FA), and routinely upgrading account security settings.

Common Tactics Used in Account Takeovers

Cybercriminals deploy various methods to hijack LinkedIn accounts:

• Credential stuffing – Using previously stolen login details from data breaches;
• Phishing emails – Tricking users into entering credentials on fake login pages;
• Malware infections – Harvesting login data through malicious software;
• Social engineering – Manipulating users into sharing confidential information.

Attackers may also send connection requests while impersonating trusted contacts or use fabricated job opportunities to lure victims into revealing private details.

The Danger of Open Networking (LION)

Some users adopt a LinkedIn Open Networker (LION) approach, accepting all connection requests to broaden their professional reach. However, this strategy significantly increases exposure to:

• Fake profiles that gain credibility through shared connections;
• Phishing scams disguised as job offers or business proposals;
• A wider attack surface for credential theft and fraud.

Fraudulent accounts can seem legitimate, especially if they have many connections, making it easier for cybercriminals to spread their reach. Always verify connections before accepting requests to stay safe.

Is LinkedIn Secure or a Cybercrime Target?

While LinkedIn remains an effective networking tool, its professional character makes it a tempting target for hackers. Maintaining awareness, creating solid security protocols, and restricting interactions with unverified accounts may all help protect professional identities.

Increasing cybersecurity awareness inside businesses and quickly reporting suspicious activity utilizing LinkedIn’s security features will assist in improving security. If a business danger emerges, notifying IT or security specialists as soon as possible is critical for risk mitigation. Staying educated about cybersecurity trends allows businesses to predict future attacks and adjust their security strategy accordingly.

New Email Security Rules from Google and Yahoo

New email security guidelines were introduced by Google and Yahoo in October 2023 for senders who simultaneously send messages to over 5,000 recipients. Compliance is essential to email delivery and engagement since Google, Yahoo, and AOL collectively manage almost 2 billion email accounts worldwide.

The improved security procedures validate sender identities, which reduces the likelihood of emails being marked as spam. Many businesses have already implemented these procedures voluntarily, but they will become required in February 2024. Google and Yahoo have announced steps to ensure compliance by punishing senders who do not match the new requirements, perhaps rejecting some of their emails.

Conclusion

Gmail, Yahoo, and LinkedIn use encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and AI-driven security, but they remain vulnerable to attacks. Yahoo has improved security after past breaches, but caution is still necessary. LinkedIn faces ongoing phishing threats, making user awareness essential.

Despite these protections, threats such as credential theft exist. Enabling two-factor authentication, using strong passwords, and avoiding questionable websites helps improve security, while Google and Yahoo’s new email authentication standards assist decrease phishing and spam threats.