LinkedIn Confirms Breached Dataset Has Scraped Info; Denies Leak
In a recent turn of events, Microsoft-owned LinkedIn has confirmed that its reportedly leaked user data includes information scraped from LinkedIn.
Privacy Sharks obtained the statement from LinkedIn via email and originally reported the story. The statement is in reference to the 700 million LinkedIn records that are up for grabs on a hacker forum.
Did LinkedIn Data Leak Really Happen?
Here is the statement that LinkedIn sent to Privacy Sharks about the whole matter.
“While we’re still investigating this issue, our initial analysis indicates that the dataset includes information scraped from LinkedIn as well as information obtained from other sources. This was not a LinkedIn data breach and our investigation has determined that no private LinkedIn member data was exposed. Scraping data from LinkedIn is a violation of our Terms of Service and we are constantly working to ensure our members’ privacy is protected.”
Official statement from Leonna Spilman on behalf of LinkedIn, sent to Privacy Sharks
Analyzing the statement, LinkedIn has confirmed that the data has information scraped from LinkedIn. In the same statement, the company has denied that it is a LinkedIn data breach.
LinkedIn also says it is investigating the matter so things are likely to change once the investigation concludes. For now, a seller called “GOD User” Tom Liner has stated that he is in possession of 700 million LinkedIn records.
If the seller’s statement is to be considered, it confirms a LinkedIn data leak. On the other hand, LinkedIn’s official stance denies a breach. In either of the cases, a conclusion on the leak is likely to come only once the official investigation settles.
