Another "my account was hacked" thread popped up on the StockXpert forums recently, and for most of us this is certainly not the first time we've heard about a microstock account being compromised. In this case, the user's account was accessed, the Moneybookers address was changed, and the account was cleaned out.

I've always thought I was pretty good about protecting my account, changing passwords about every 2 months, choosing good passwords with combinations of letters and numbers, and using a PayPal security key. But lately I've wondered if there is more I can do. The security key is a nice feature, and I think it has already saved my account once from unauthorized access. But that's just for PayPal, and no such protection yet exists for individual microstock accounts.

As our accounts become more attractive targets for thieves, what are you doing to protect your money? Any thoughts on what additional steps we can take to guard our accounts?

I have also heard rumors that just having a checking account linked to your PayPal account can be risky. Some people set up a separate checking account just for PayPal usage. Is this worthwhile?

I would assume the only way to get your password is if you would have a keylogger program delivered to you via Trojan or virus.

This is what I use to guard myself.
Firewall - AVG antivirus plus firewall or zonealarm pro
Roboform Pro check it outhttp://www.roboform.com/php/land.php?affid=overt&frm=frame40&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=roboform
With RoboForm you don't use your keyboard to log on a site that means a keylogger is not effective.

Funny you would bring this up now.

I just cashed out at Fotolia a few minutes ago, and noticed the payment request page isn't encrypted.     What is it with Fotolia and their lack of security???

If there is ever a major breach of security or contributor data, I wouldn't be surprised if Fotolia is where it happened.

The moment I hit a payout it's gone from the microstock site and on its way to paypal. The nice side effect is that I can start collecting interest 3.2%pa immediately. That way if the account is hijacked there is nothing to take home for the thief.