Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Has anyone noticed recently that some users profiles under Connection - People have suspicious profiles ? Looks like there is a virus that is creating fake profiles ? Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Im not sure either - I was always in favor of having more restrictions and rules before anyone can create an account on projectmanagement.com.
The current setting is very open to public and anyone can create any profiel they want as far as I am aware and that probably the reason why you see many fake profiles but what's the goal behind them, I really have no idea.
I also noticed recently that some connection even thoug they are not on your network, the Connect icon doesnt appear beside their name until you go into their profile. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Yes, these Connect-less profiles appeared in the last few months. They tend to have very little on their profile.
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Sep 04, 2017 1:35 PM
Rami Kaibni
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Yes but not sure if it is related to having very little in their profile.
I did notice that quite a few new profiles have the same picture with names that do not appear to be legitimate.
It appears though that there is an attempt to clean them up as many of them are not accessible.
I'm not sure what the goal would be to create fake profiles?
Usually, creation fake profiles are used in different ways.
- Having a fake profile allow posting on discussion advertisings of non-related PM items. Do you remember the plumber months ago?
- Also, they can send inbox messages with scam or phishing to the community members.
Thank you for the info Rami and Stéphane.
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Sep 05, 2017 7:24 PM
Rami Kaibni
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You are right Mayte - You have a point.
Saving Changes...
LORI WILSONRETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint HealthClarkston, Wa, United States
Hello Rami and all: I have noticed these suspicious-looking profiles as well, and they are kind of scary. I am glad to hear Stéphane say there is a focus on cleaning this up. Fake profiles provide risk and that might make some legitimate users afraid to participate on this site which would be very unfortunate. Cyber risks are everywhere it seems.
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2 replies by Rami Kaibni and Stéphane Parent
Sep 05, 2017 2:59 PM
Stéphane Parent
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Agreed, Lori!
Sep 05, 2017 7:27 PM
Rami Kaibni
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I have the same concern as yours Lori - I think there should be more strict regulations before approving any profile on this website and PMI should set a minimum requirement for an acceptable profile like Proper Photo, Profile Summary and so on.
This is a professional community so I believe adding profile minimum requirements is a must to eliminate such fake profiles and this can be done I guess by adding layers that can automatically detect the complete profile that matches the requirements so it won't need a person to physically check each and every profile. Not sure if I conveyed the idea 100%.
Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Sep 05, 2017 2:43 PM
Replying to LORI WILSON
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Hello Rami and all: I have noticed these suspicious-looking profiles as well, and they are kind of scary. I am glad to hear Stéphane say there is a focus on cleaning this up. Fake profiles provide risk and that might make some legitimate users afraid to participate on this site which would be very unfortunate. Cyber risks are everywhere it seems.
Agreed, Lori! Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
You all raise good points. Now I want to go review my recent network connections.
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2 replies by Rami Kaibni and Stéphane Parent
Sep 05, 2017 7:21 PM
Stéphane Parent
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It looks suspiciously like these fake profiles don't accept or issue network connections.
Sep 05, 2017 7:28 PM
Rami Kaibni
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I think even if you try and add those connections Eric, the system won't allow you and it will give you an error but it is still alarming seeing them here.
Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
The summer has been busy for these. Lots of odd posts, and new profiles. Great to hear of a cleanup effort. A more stringent new profile process would certainly add to the value here.
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Sep 05, 2017 7:29 PM
Rami Kaibni
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I totally agree with you Andrew - 100%
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Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Sep 05, 2017 3:40 PM
Replying to Eric Simms
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You all raise good points. Now I want to go review my recent network connections.
It looks suspiciously like these fake profiles don't accept or issue network connections. Saving Changes...
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