LinkedIn privacy settings on Windows: Relaxed level

What for: So you don't get hacked.

If your password is short and simple, cybercriminals can guess it and hijack your account. A long and complex password is more secure. Use a strong password that:

• Is at least 8 characters long;
• Contains lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters ($, @, etc.);
• Is not an actual word or easy-to-guess phrase;
• Is not the same as your passwords for any other accounts;
• Does not consist of information that strangers could easily find out (your name, date of birth, pet's name, and so forth — or those of your friends or relatives).

To change your LinkedIn password:

1. Click your profile picture in the top menu and select Settings & Privacy;
2. Go to Sign in & Security section and click Change password;
3. Enter your current password;
4. Enter a new strong password twice;
5. Tick the Require all devices to sign in with new password check box;
6. Click Save.

What for: So you definitely don't get hacked.

You can increase the security of your account by enabling 2-step verification. Then, every time you try to sign in to your LinkedIn account, you will have to provide a one-time code received via text message or through a special app. Even if cybercriminals get hold of your username and password, they will not be able to log in to your account without this code.

To enable two-step verification via text message:

1. Click your profile picture in the top menu and select Settings & Privacy;
2. Go to the Sign in & Security section and click Two-step verification;
3. Click Turn on next to Two-step verification is turned off;
4. In the Choose your verification method drop-down list, select Phone Number (SMS) and click Continue;
5. Enter your LinkedIn account password and click Done;
6. In the corresponding box on the page, enter the verification code you've received and click Verify.

To receive verification codes through an authenticator app:

1. Click your profile picture in the top menu and select Settings & Privacy from the drop-down list;
2. Go to the Sign in & Security section and click Two-step verification;
3. Make sure that two-step verification is turned on;
4. Click Change verification method, select Authenticator App in the drop-down list, and click Continue;
5. Enter your LinkedIn account password and click Done;
6. Add your LinkedIn account to the app by using the QR code or the secret key provided on the screen;
7. Get your verification code in the app and enter it under Enter the 6-digit code generated by your Authenticator app;
8. Click Continue.

What for: To avoid distractions.

Notifications about private messages, comments and other activity in LinkedIn may appear as pop-up messages or arrive by e-mail. Frequent notifications can be annoying, and getting a large number of them increases the chances that you will miss something important.

To disable excessive notifications:

1. Click your profile picture in the top menu and select Settings & Privacy;
2. Go to the Communications section;
3. Under How you get your notifications, go through the On LinkedIn, Email, and Push sections and turn off the notifications you do not want to receive.

What for: To avoid unpleasant people.

To stop a user from viewing your profile, commenting on your posts, or sending you messages, block them:

1. Go to the profile of the user you wish to block;
2. Click More… in the profile header;
3. Select Report/Block;
4. Click Block member;
5. Click Block.

The user will not know you've blocked them.