5 safety tips for using a public computer
Public computers at libraries, Internet cafes, airports, and copy shops are convenient, cheaper than buying your own laptop, and sometimes even free to use. But are they safe? Depends on how you use them.
Here are 5 tips on using public computers without compromising your personal or financial information.
Don't save your login information
Always logout of Web
sites by pressing logout on the site, instead of by closing the browser
window or by typing in another address. This will help keep other users
from accessing your information.
Many programs (especially instant messenger programs) include automatic login features that will save your username and password. Disable this option so no one accidentally (or on purpose) logs in as you.
Don't leave the computer unattended with sensitive information on the screen
If
you have to leave the public computer for any amount of time, logout of
all programs and close all windows that may include sensitive
information.
Erase your tracks
When you're done using a public computer you should delete all the temporary files and your Internet history.
To delete your temporary Internet files and your history
|
1. |
In Internet Explorer click Tools and then click Internet Options. |
|
2. |
On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files click Delete Files and then click Delete Cookies. |
|
3. |
Under History, click Clear History. |
Watch for over-the-shoulder snoops
Because there's so much
in the news about how hackers can digitally sneak into your personal
files, we sometimes forget about the old fashioned version of snooping.
When you're using a public computer, be on the look out for thieves who
collect your information by looking over your shoulder or watching as
you enter sensitive passwords.
Don't enter sensitive information into a public computer
The
measures listed above will provide some protection against casual
hackers who use a public computer after you have. However, an
industrious thief may have installed sophisticated software on the
public computer that will record every keystroke and then e-mail that
information back to the thief. Then it doesn't matter if you haven't
saved your information or if you've erased your tracks. They still have
access to this information.
If you really want to be safe, avoid typing your credit card number or any other financial or otherwise sensitive information into a public computer.
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