LinkedIn Adds Two-Factor Auth And Homepage Document Uploads

LinkedIn has become the latest Web giant to add two-factor authentication, whilst launching extra features to let its users upload more content directly to their homepages.

The networking site will use the same method as Twitter does for its recently-launched two-factor authentication, sending codes via SMS for users to type in after their passwords.

LinkedIn 2FA

That approach has been criticised by some security professionals, who believe users should be given the option to run a bespoke app to receive the code.

Using an app with its own protocol means that if users’ mobile phones are infected with an SMS-pilfering Trojan, they won’t have that code stolen and used to hijack their account.

Twitter was also criticised as it had not secured deals with all the relevant telecoms companies, meaning customers of EE were left out, as were others of lesser-known operators. LinkedIn appears to be having no such trouble.

Evernote also announced last week it had added its own two-factor authentication.

Meanwhile, LinkedIn said users will soon be able to upload images, documents, and presentations directly to the LinkedIn Homepage. The feature is rolling out over the next few weeks, LinkedIn said.

“How do you get started? Simply click on the paperclip on the right side of your share box on the LinkedIn Homepage and start uploading images or files that visually enhance what you have to say,” said Itamar Orgad, senior product manager at LinkedIn, in a blog post.

“If you want to attach a video or other rich media content that is hosted already on another site, simply paste in the URL into the share box to add it to your update.”

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