Using public computers at
colleges, libraries, Internet cafes, airports, and copy shops can be relatively
safe if you heed the following tips.
The browser keeps a copy of many things in its cache and it may be passwords or
other sensitive bits of information. The next person on the computer may be
savvy enough to recover this information.
Always Log Out
Make sure you log out of
Web sites by clicking "log out" on the site. Do not just close the browser and
think you are safe. The next person may be able to open the browser and find you
are still logged in.
Disable the Autocomplete
Feature
Many programs (especially
browsers and instant messengers) include automatic login features that will save
your user name and password. Disable this option so no one can log in as you.
(Internet Explorer) To disable the feature that stores passwords
Before you go to the Web, turn off the Internet Explorer feature that
"remembers" your
passwords.
1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
2. Click the Content tab, and then click AutoComplete.
3. Click to clear both check boxes having to do with passwords.
Do not Leave the Computer
Unattended
Especially with sensitive
information on the screen. If you have to leave the public computer, log out of
all programs and close all windows. Then erase your tracks.
Erase Your Tracks
Web browsers such as
Internet Explorer keep a record of your passwords and every page you visit, even
after you’ve closed them and logged out.
To delete your
temporary Internet files and your history
When you finish your use of a public computer, you should delete all the
temporary files and your Internet 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.
4. Delete all the files in the temporary folder of your user account which you
can find by browsing to C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp.
Create a Temporary Email
Account
Most email accounts can
forward to another one. If you are going away for a few days, create a temporary
email account and forward your emails there. Once you are home, shut off
forwarding and abandon the temporary email account.
Carry your Own Software
There are many software
applications that can run off USB drives. For example, the portable Firefox
browser will keep its cache and sensitive data on the USB drive, not the public
computer's drive.
PortableApps website contains a whole suite of portable apps...and they are
free.
Watch for Snoops
When you use a public
computer, be on the lookout for thieves who look over your shoulder or watch as
you enter sensitive passwords to collect your information.
A cell phone camera or someone with a good memory could capture your information
easily. Don't forget people can watch your hands and see what keys you press.
Do not Enter Sensitive
Information into a Public Computer
These measures provide
some protection against casual hackers who use a public computer after you have.
If you can, use a USB drive to store your information.
When you get home, change the passwords of any accounts you logged into while on
the road. This will mitigate anyone tampering with your account.
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.
If you really want to be safe, avoid entering any sensitive information into any
public computer.
Do not Forget to Take
your USB drive
It happens. You get in a
hurry and leave your USB drive (or floppy) on the public computer. You are
forewarned.
Using Wireless Laptops in
Public
Wireless laptops present a
whole new set of security issues. Read about our
laptop security tips.
