LinkedIn virus: what it is and how to remove it
LinkedIn virus is the email campaign that targets people all over the world with a fake message from the well-known network. The email poses as a business proposition email, job offer, or any other notification informing about the activity on the social platform.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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LinkedIn virus: summary
| Distribution | Spreads via malspam and phishing[2] campaigns targeting users worldwide |
|---|---|
| Name | LinkedIn virus |
| Type | Malware |
| Possible versions | Email scam delivering data-gathering malware. Browser hijacker extension. |
| Can be set to | Hijack browser with a PUP or gather information by installing malware directly to the machine |
| Danger level | High. Might steal private data, install other malware |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 6 more facts
| Symptoms | Users receive legitimate-looking invitation letters which contain malicious links |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| First seen | 10 June 2019 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What LinkedIn virus does on an infected PC
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
LinkedIn email scam possible versions
LinkedIn virus can have different purposes since this is not a new threat malicious actors managed to create different campaigns.
Email scam campaign delivers various malware, and that depends on the malicious actor who is running the virus.
One message is targeting people and stating about the message from a particular person, poses as a notification from your friend or colleague. Linkedin invitation scam tricks people into clicking the link provided on the email which supposedly redirects you to the message gotten on the social platform. Unfortunately, the link is malicious and can lead to the installation of other malware programs.
Additionally, LinkedIn request scam is especially dangerous if the computer user is working in a large-scale organization. Attackers usually target employees to get into the network system of the firm and generate even more illegal profits. According to the security and social media professor Matthew Warren, employees should be extra vigilant :
LinkedIn request scam shows messages about business offers, job positions or open places for employment. Any active button with "Upload your CV here" or a hyperlink also redirects the victim to a malicious page or even automatically initiates a download of malicious program.
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
LinkedIn Share - suspicious browser extension
However, there is a malicious browser extension that uses lock-screen function and affects websites with unethical marketing practices that force users to install various in-browser content against their will.
The LinkedIn share is a deceptive browser extension that reads and collects different information about the user and even can change the material on the websites you visit.
The browser extension locks the screen and restricts access to various functions. Then the pop-up appears that forces the victim to install shady extensions, tools, or toolbars. It even has the function of changing the homepage and new tab settings or alters startup preferences to run the needed programs on the browser and redirect your inline traffic to ad-supported sites so that the revenue can be generated.
This LinkedIn Share browser hijack redirects to shady pages to make a profit for its publisher since all the visits and website views can be monetized. Free browser attachment even gets promoted as a useful extension that suggests words based on things you type. However, this type of LinkedIn virus behaves intrusively as any PUP:
You need to get or and run a full system scan so any type of the LinkedIn virus gets eliminated. By cleaning your device entirely you can delete associated files, applications and fix any virus damage.
- delivers pop-up advertisements, banners;
- changes browser settings, appearance;
- redirect online traffic;
- makes PC running slow.
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on LinkedIn virus
- You can remove LinkedIn virus with the help of a professional anti-malware tool.
- The most effective malware is the passive malware that just sits there and just monitors your activities <...> For particular organisations, it could mean capturing log ins that used on your computer.
How LinkedIn virus got on your PC
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
LinkedIn virus is a cyber threat which spreads via emails posing as legitimate messages from the social platform
LinkedIn virus is the email campaign that targets people all over the world with a fake message from the well-known network.
The email poses as a business proposition email, job offer, or any other notification informing about the activity on the social platform. Unfortunately, this email campaign aims to trick users into opening the file attachment because this way, malware can be installed on the machine directly. Then, attackers can access any needed part of the computer and even gather personal information about the victim.
This virus started as a bug in LinkedIn messaging service back in 2017, and right now it is one of many email scams that can lead to the installation of dangerous malware or even lead to privacy issues and identity theft.
Actors learned how to disguise their files to pass as a real email from the service. The malicious code gets hidden in the malicious PowerShell Script and in the registry or added as a commonly found file. Once the PDF or DOC gets clicked and opened malicious installation launches and your PC gets infected.
LinkedIn scam is a sophisticated cyber threat which comes in the form of a fake invitation email. According to the research, the spam email looks exceptionally convincing as its design resembles the legitimate confirmation email by LinkedIn. Unfortunately, this malspam campaign is developed to infiltrate various malicious programs on the targeted computer and gather sensitive data either about a specific person or the company.
If you have received a message from LinkedIn virus think before you click on it. Experts warn that these fraudulent invitation emails contain malicious links which are designed to redirect you to malware distribution sources. Even though you think that by clicking on Confirm that you know XXX you will be redirected to the LinkedIn Message View page, experts warn you that this is a scam.
In fact, the innocent-looking button incorporated into LinkedIn virus email might directly trigger an automatic installation of the following cyber threats:
Be aware that "Unsubscribe" and "Learn why we included this" links in this email do just the same! Likewise, by clicking any of these links provided by Linkedin invitation scam you risk exposing information which might personally identify you and lead to identity theft. Note that if the criminals manage to get sensitive data, they can sell it in the underground market and receive illegal profits.
If you fall for this scam, run a full system scan with updated anti-malware software right away. Keep in mind that any hesitations to remove LinkedIn virus might provide cybercriminals the necessary time to infect your system with more malicious programs or gather essential data.
This security software will not only eliminate the malware but also fix virus damage after the infection and even restore needed Windows files from the database. Additional instructions on how to prepare your system for malware elimination listed below the article.
- Trojan horses ;
- Keyloggers;
- Spyware;
- Ransomware;
- Etc.
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
Email malware distribution techniques
As we have already mentioned, malware as such is distributed as a fraudulent invitation email or a similar notification.
Commonly, hackers employ mailspam campaigns to spread their malicious programs online. Note that fake emails look exceptionally convincing. Likewise, people might fail to identify a scam.
Luckily our experts have prepared several useful tips to help you identify malicious spam emails:
Email scam campaigns deliver various files with malicious payloads. The attachment on the mail can be in PDF, xlsx, or doc format. Documents often look safe enough to open, so people get tricked and unknowingly infects their devices with various malware, including one of the most dangerous types of cyber threats like ransomware or trojans.
- Do not open messages that reside in Junk or Spam inboxes;
- Avoid opening emails from unknown senders and especially electronic letters from member@linkedin.com or similar emails;
- If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of the message, contact the company directly for the confirmation of the email;
- Use a professional antivirus with real-time protection.
How to remove LinkedIn virus
A loader's job is to install other malware, so treat the PC as infected with more than one program until the scans are clean.
Step 1: Delete scheduled tasks that bring it back
Open Task Scheduler from the Start menu and click Task Scheduler Library. Select each task you do not recognise and read the Actions tab:
- a task that starts a file in
%AppData%or%Temp% - runs
powershellwith a long encoded line - opens a web address belongs to LinkedIn virus or a similar program
Right-click such a task and choose Delete, and check the subfolders too. Leave tasks from Microsoft, your PC's maker and programs you use. Task Scheduler is the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Task Scheduler Library, the task selected, the Actions tab shows the file it runs. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
- a task that starts a file in
Step 2: Remove it from startup
Whatever LinkedIn virus installed usually starts with Windows. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to Startup apps in Windows 11 or the Startup tab in Windows 10, and disable what you do not know, starting with entries that have an empty Publisher column.
Open file location on the right-click menu shows the file, which helps you decide and tells you what to delete later. Disabling is safe: if something you need stops working, switch it back on.
Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix
Step 3: Delete the folders left behind
What the uninstaller leaves behind is usually in the user folders. Open File Explorer, switch on View > Show > Hidden items (in Windows 10 View > Hidden items), and go through
%LocalAppData%,%AppData%, %ProgramData% and the two Program Files folders.Sort by Date modified and delete folders that appeared together with the problem and belong to no program you use. Folders with random names that hold
.exe,.dll, .js or .ps1 files are the strongest sign.Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions
Assume that the passwords saved in this PC's browsers, and the accounts that were open in them, are known to the attacker. From a phone or a clean computer, change the e-mail password first, then banking, shopping, social and gaming accounts.
Use each service's option to sign out of all other sessions, because stolen cookies keep a session open even after a password change. Turn on two-step verification on each account. Wait with the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC until the scans are clean.
Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
LinkedIn virus elimination requires professional AV tools
Researchers note that the malware installed during this email scam might simply reside on the system and stealthily monitor user's activity.
Since it can operate in the background without any visible window, people fail to identify the infection. However, if you remember clicking on suspicious email content, you should consider LinkedIn virus removal.
Our experts recommend employing reliable security tools to remove LinkedIn virus automatically. This way, you can be sure that none of the malware-related components are left on your system. For that, pick , , or and run a full system scan immediately.
Also, if you are receiving spam in your email or social networking site, do not hesitate to inform the support center of the sites included. This will help these sites to indicate the scammers more quickly and stop their further activities, so you don't need to worry about LinkedIn virus removal or any other threats.
[GI=method-1]You might need to boot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking to download and use the security software properly because malware alters various preferences and can even disable functions or applications
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Accounts come next
Because the PC showed linkedIn virus in the list of installed apps, a sign of a program that could read browser data, the clean-up is only half of the work.
The other half happens in your online accounts.
Change passwords from a clean device, beginning with e-mail; sign out of all sessions; check forwarding rules and recovery phone numbers; and turn on two-step verification with an authenticator app or a passkey. Ask your bank to replace cards saved in the browser.
Why the order matters and what to check in each account: secure your accounts after malware.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about LinkedIn virus
Can I safely uninstall LinkedIn virus?
If you did not install LinkedIn virus yourself and it is not part of your hardware or a program you rely on, yes. Uninstalling an unwanted program does not harm Windows. Before you do, search the exact name and publisher to be sure it is not a driver tool, a printer utility or a game launcher with an odd name.
Then remove it from Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Ignore any offers or warnings in its uninstaller about losing protection or performance. Afterwards check Startup apps and your browsers for leftovers, and restart once to confirm that it does not reinstall itself.
How do I stop programs like LinkedIn virus from being installed again?
Most unwanted programs arrive through installers, so the fix is in how you install software. Download programs from their official sites or the Microsoft Store, not from download portals or ads above search results. During setup, choose Custom or Advanced installation and untick every extra offer, including browsers, toolbars and optimizers.
Decline update prompts that appear inside other programs unless you know them. In Windows Security, turn on reputation-based protection and potentially unwanted app blocking. These steps would most likely have stopped LinkedIn virus before it reached the app list.
Why didn't my antivirus stop LinkedIn virus?
New trojan builds are packed and changed often so that signatures do not match, and some are signed with stolen or bought certificates. Many arrive inside password-protected archives, which scanners cannot open until you extract them.
Some downloads also tell the user to turn off the antivirus "because it gives false alarms", a common line in cracked software instructions. Keep real-time protection on, never disable it for an installer, and run the offline scan whenever you suspect something slipped through.
Why can't I find LinkedIn virus in antivirus databases?
Because it is new or because it is listed under a different name. Antivirus companies name threats after the family they belong to, and a program that appears as LinkedIn virus on your PC may carry a generic or unrelated label in their databases.
Many new samples are first detected only by behaviour, without a family name. What you saw, linkedIn virus in the list of installed apps, is enough to act on:
- end the program
- remove its startup entry
- run a Microsoft Defender offline scan
- secure your accounts
A detection name from a scan is worth noting for later.
Can LinkedIn virus spread to other devices on my network?
Most trojans aimed at home users stay on the PC they infected, but an attacker with remote access can look at the network, open shared folders and try passwords on other devices. Loaders sometimes deliver worms or ransomware that do spread.
Disconnect the PC while cleaning, run a full scan on other Windows PCs, change the router's admin password and the Wi-Fi password if they were saved on the infected PC, and update the router's firmware. If other PCs show the same detection, treat them as infected too.
Should I reset my PC because of LinkedIn virus?
Only if the signs point to deeper access. Reset when you see linkedIn virus in the list of installed apps again after removal, when Windows Security cannot start or update, when remote access tools you did not install keep appearing, or when you simply cannot trust the PC any more.
Otherwise, the plan in this guide plus an offline scan is enough. If you do reset, choose Remove everything and Cloud download for a fresh copy of Windows, restore only documents and photos, and reinstall programs from their official sites. Change important passwords from the clean system afterwards.
What are the signs of a trojan infection?
Most trojans try to leave no visible signs, so look for side effects. Common ones:
- Windows Security turned off or unable to update
- new entries in Startup apps or Task Scheduler
- programs in Installed apps you did not install
- browser settings that changed by themselves
- unusual network activity while the PC is idle
- password-reset or login-alert e-mails you did not trigger
None of these proves an infection on its own. Together with an antivirus alert naming LinkedIn virus, they are a strong reason to follow the full plan.
Is it safe to do online banking after seeing linkedIn virus in the list of installed apps?
Not on that PC until it is clean. A program that produces linkedIn virus in the list of installed apps runs with your rights and could read what you type or what the browser shows. Use a phone or another computer for banking and for changing passwords.
When the offline scan of the affected PC is clean and nothing suspicious starts with Windows any more, you can go back to using it. Check your bank statements for the past weeks either way, and call the bank if anything looks unfamiliar; banks can block cards and reset access quickly.
Can a normal remote support program be a backdoor?
Yes. Tools such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer and ScreenConnect are legitimate, but whoever controls the account behind them controls the PC. Scammers install them during fake support calls, and some trojan campaigns install them silently because antivirus programs do not flag a genuine, signed product.
If you find one you did not set up, uninstall it, check Startup apps for related entries and change passwords from another device. If money or accounts were involved, call your bank and report the incident.
Will Fortect remove LinkedIn virus?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For LinkedIn virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- LinkedIn: Hackers hit your inbox: Malware through LinkedIn messenger (read October 7, 2026)
- ZDNet: What is phishing? Everything you need to know to protect yourself from scam emails and more (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Trojan horse (computing) (read October 7, 2026)
- News: How that LinkedIn invitation may actually be a virus attack (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)