Tips for Safe Public Computer Use
Now that there are complex PDAs and cell phones, you do not have to be near your computer to log into the Internet, read email, etc, send instant messages, etc. Yet many people who still do not have any of those devices often use public computers in places such as Internet cafes, libraries, and hotels. These public computers should be protected with anti-virus software, but they may not be secured or regularly checked by anyone. Also, the person using it right before you could get infected. What do you do?
There are some tips when traveling that you can use to protect your personal information. If you are going to be away from your home computer for a few days and plan on accessing your email account, set up a forwarding email. Your email client probably allows you to forward your mail to another account. By setting up a new account and forwarding your regular email account to that new one, you can provide yourself with a bit of protection.
With the new account, hackers are less likely to know the account exists or have any idea what the password is. However, it still allows you to read your normal email. Even if someone does figure out the username and password, you are only going to be using this account for a brief time.
If you do log into a computer in a public place using your normal email username and password, change the password when you first log in. When you return home, change your password to something different. This limits the time your password may be exposed to hackers.
Why should you worry about changing your password so much when using a public computer? You need to change your password in case anyone has set up what is known as a key logger program. Key logger software is a type of spyware that records every keystroke made on a computer. So if you use a public computer to log into email, access your bank account, or purchase something with your credit card, the person who installed the key logger software can record all your sensitive information. To be extra safe, avoid making credit card purchases or logging into your bank account while traveling unless you are using your own personal laptop.
Some public computer administrators have locked down a feature called auto-complete or password storage. If you are asked while logging in on a public computer if you want to save your information, always say no. And try to disable the features if you can.
Visit only the web sites you are familiar with while you are traveling. Visiting new sites may cause a download of spyware or viruses, but if you normally visit a site, you are probably sure of its safety. This also includes clicking on any pop-up ads while on the public computer. Those can also contain spyware and result in auto-downloads.
When you are finished using the public computer, see if you can delete the browsers temporary files, cookies, etc. The administrator may have the computer locked down so you cannot do this, but it doesn’t hurt to check. This helps protect you and also leave the computer cleaner for the next user.
If the computer does allow you to download legitimate files, don’t leave any of those on the computer when you go. Also, it sounds simple, but pay attention to anyone walking up behind you to see what you are typing. Just like at an ATM, they may be up to no good.
Just by doing these few things, you can help further protect yourself and your information while on the road.