LinkedIn 2021 Data Breach

High Severity 700 million records affected
CompanyLinkedIn
Breach DateApril 1, 2021
Disclosure DateJune 22, 2021
Records Affected700 million

In 2021, data from 700 million LinkedIn users—over 90% of the platform's user base—was scraped and posted for sale on dark web forums.

What Happened

A hacker exploited LinkedIn's API to scrape public profile data at massive scale. While LinkedIn claimed no private data was exposed, the aggregated dataset included information that many users didn't expect to be easily accessible.

LinkedIn argued this wasn't a "breach" since no systems were compromised, but the data collection violated their terms of service and posed real risks to users.

What Data Was Exposed

  • Email addresses
  • Full names
  • Phone numbers
  • Physical addresses
  • Geolocation records
  • LinkedIn usernames and profile URLs
  • Professional history
  • Inferred salaries
  • Connected social media accounts

Who Is Affected

Approximately 700 million LinkedIn users, representing over 90% of the platform's user base at the time.

How to Check If You Were Affected

If you had a LinkedIn account before June 2021, assume your public profile data was included.

What You Should Do Now

  1. Review your LinkedIn privacy settings
  2. Limit visible contact information
  3. Be alert for targeted phishing using your professional info
  4. Watch for BEC scams impersonating colleagues or recruiters
  5. Enable two-step verification

Last updated: January 13, 2026