Public computers at libraries, Internet cafes, airports, and coffee 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.
1. Don't save your logon information
Always log out of Web sites by clicking "log out" on the site. It's not enough to simply close the browser window or type in another address.
Many programs (especially social networking Web sites, Web mail, and instant messenger programs) include automatic login features that will save your user name and password. Disable this option so no one can log in as you.
2. Don't leave the computer unattended with sensitive information on the screen
If you have to leave the public computer, log out of all programs and close all windows that might display sensitive information.3. Erase your tracks
Internet Explorer 8 offers InPrivate browsing that leaves no trace of specific Web activity.Other browsers also support InPrivate browsing.
Internet Explorer also keeps a record of your passwords and every page you visit, even after you've closed them and logged out.
Disable the feature that stores passwords
Before you go to the Web, turn off the Internet Explorer feature that "remembers" your passwords.
- In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
- Click the Content tab, and then click Settings, next to AutoComplete.
- Click to clear both check boxes having to do with passwords.
Delete your temporary Internet files and your history
When you finish your use of a public computer, you can help protect your private information by deleting your temporary Internet files.
4. Watch for over-the-shoulder snoops
When you use a public computer, be on the look out for thieves who look over your shoulder or watch as you enter sensitive passwords to collect your information.
5. Don't enter sensitive information into a public computer
These measures provide some protection against casual hackers who use a public computer after you have.
But keep in mind that an industrious thief might have installed sophisticated software on the public computer that records every keystroke and then e-mails 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 any public computer.
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