In 2021, data associated with around 700 million LinkedIn users, over 90 percent of its base, was scraped and offered for sale, with a separate 310 million euro GDPR fine following in 2024.
Key facts
- Around 700 million users affected by large-scale scraping in 2021.
- Exposed professional and contact details useful for phishing.
- A separate 310 million euro GDPR fine was issued in 2024 over advertising practices.
- Demonstrates how scraped professional data fuels targeted social engineering.
The lesson
Professional data is gold for spear-phishing. Scraped LinkedIn data routinely feeds business email compromise and targeted attacks.
How DarkThreatX helps
DarkThreatX monitors the dark web for breached records, leaked credentials and threat-actor activity tied to your organisation. Run a free dark web scan or explore the platform.
