How real is networking cyber risk?
83% of organizations faced insider threats in 2024, often from phishing in “networking” DMs. Remote pros clicking bad links lose time and trust. Three habits can help secure your networking process.
Safe networking steps:
- 30-second LinkedIn vetting: If people asking for connections have few or no mutual connections? Websites or companies don’t match? Few recent posts or activities? Red flags kill it.
- Value-first DMs: Give before you get. Whether it is scammers or just aggressive, self-centered individuals, anyone making an ask in the first connection request should be approached with caution. They may be just a time-sink, or they may be trying to snag you, and likely provide no value. And consider whether you are giving before getting yourself.
- No-click commits: If a new connection sends you anything with a link before you’ve had a chance to set context through dialogue (ideally in a call), be very careful to analyze the legitimacy and safety of the link.
Make sure you are using good cyber hygiene when networking: Coaching can help develop safe habits. Book 1:1 at pronetworkcoach.com/coaching.
Deep Dive: Why People Are the New Cyber Perimeter
In today’s world, firewalls no longer keep hackers out—people do. Cyber attacks target humans through networking because we are the weakest link. This section breaks down the causes behind this shift and shares practical tips with real insights.
Causes Driving the Human Risk
Networks used to have clear borders, like castle walls around a town. But remote work, cloud apps, and mobile devices erased those lines, making identities the main defense.
Hackers now phish pros on LinkedIn, stealing credentials in seconds—human error causes 70-85% of breaches. Busy networkers click bad links during virtual coffees, sharing data without checks.
AI deepfakes make scams personal, mimicking bosses or clients perfectly. Supply chain attacks hit partners first, then spread via trusted emails. Weak passwords and reused logins worsen it; one leak exposes everything.
Without Zero Trust—always verify—these problems grow because tech speed outpaced evolution of good habits, turning everyday chats into entry points.
Tips to Network Safely
Verify contacts with other communication channels or protocols before sharing files, cutting phishing by 99% as inconsistencies reveal fakes. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere—it’s the simplest gatekeeper, blocking 80% of account takeovers.
Personalize messages but scan links first; tools like VirusTotal check risks instantly. Train your brain: Pause 10 seconds on urgent requests, spotting 90% more threats. Use password managers for strong, unique passwords or passkeys, redefining networking as cautious value-sharing that builds secure bonds and shows respect for connections.
These habits turn vulnerability into strength.