Elance Security Breach Email is Not a Hoax - Ways to Protect Your Online Identity

Elance, a popular website used by freelancers around the world was hacked into this week. The hackers stole personal and other account information including log-in names and passwords. Although the identity of the hackers has not been determined, Elance has reported that some of the stolen user data is now appearing on OutsourcingRoom.com, a competing service.

Elance sent out an email announcement to account holders so if yours ended up in your spam folder be advised that this is not a hoax.

According to the Washington Post, "The hackers discovered a security hole on an unprotected page that enabled them to access a data table that contained contact information including name, email address, telephone number, city location, and username, and that contained protected versions of user passwords, in an unreadable format called a one-way hash. Their attack did not access personal financial information such as credit card, bank account, social security or tax ID numbers."

Tips on How to Prevent Identity Theft

• Financial Planning Fraud Center: Read up on the latest Internet scams and get tips on how to protect yourself.
• How to Protect Your Personal Gadgets and Your Identity: Learn how savvy criminals steal personal information from your gadgets including your cell phone and even your car's GPS.
• Tips for Managing Spam Emails: Find out the best free, email obfuscators to disguise your email address online.
• Signs Your eBay Account Has Been Stolen: Warning signs your eBay account has been stolen and what to do to fix the situation.
• Identity Theft, Password Habits, and e-Shopping Safety: PayPal's chief security expert Michael Barrett talks about online identity theft prevention.