PC Security - Tips for Safe Public Computer Use
We are a mobile world, and our computer use has also
become mobile. We can literally log on to the Internet anywhere from the
world, on laptops, mobile devices, and even on public computers. Public computers
are easy to find in Internet Cafes, libraries, airports, hotels, and many
other places. Unfortunately, most people don't know how to take proper security
measures when logging onto public computers.
First, if the public computer has access levels set so that people can insert
disks, download files, or even open email attachments, the computer is extremely
vulnerable to infection. These infections of public computers are usually
designed to collect information - such as when you visit the website of your
financial institution and log in. The virus can easily tell a third party
where you logged in, and what password and username you used.
If possible, avoid using a public computer to log on to any website where
a log in is required, or where personal information may be stored. Of course,
do your part in protecting others by not opening any attachments in email,
or downloading any software.
You can also protect your email account by creating a free email account,
and setting your regular email to forward to that address before you leave
on your trip. If you must use any information that may present a security
risk while using a public computer, make sure that you change the password
immediately upon your arrival home.
Public computers will often have a keylogger installed. This records every
key that you hit, in the order that you hit them on the keyboard. So, anything
you type on the public computer can literally be seen by whoever has managed
to install the key logger. Avoid making any credit card purchases while using
a public computer as well.
Another problem that you may find is that a feature called 'auto complete'
is turned on, or that the computer is set to store usernames and passwords.
Make absolutely sure that your information is not stored. Try typing in a
bogus username and password first. Then, close the browser, and go back to
the site, and try typing the same bogus username and password again to see
if it auto completes or if it was stored. If so, don't use your real information
on this computer!
When you are finished with a public computer, see it you will be allowed
to erase the history on it. Also check to see if cookies were stored, and
if possible, delete them. Try emptying temporary Internet files as well if
possible.
Another security risk that few people pay attention to when using a public
computer is that people may be nearby, watching everything that you do. Don't
assume that you type so fast that nobody could ever really know what you
are typing just by watching your hands. There are people that can watch nothing
more than your hands and know exactly what you typed!
Overall, use common sense when using public computers, and be aware of the
security risks involved. Do everything in your power to protect yourself,
and remember that public computers are bigger targets than personal computers
overall.
 PC Security: Index
PC Security:
Internet Browsers
PC Security:
Spam
PC Security:
Stopping Spam Part 1
PC Security:
Stopping Spam Part 2
PC Security: Spam
Scams
PC Security:
Email Security and Spam
PC Security:
Email Security
PC Security:
Computer Viruses
PC Security:
Protecting Computers From Viruses
PC Security:
Worm Viruses
PC Security:
Trojan Horse Viruses
PC Security:
Rootkits
PC Security:
Removing a Virus
PC Security:
Virus Hoaxes
PC Security:
Server Viruses
PC Security:
Home Network
PC Security:
Cell Phone Viruses
PC Security:
Spyware
PC Security:
Firewalls Part 1
PC Security:
Firewalls Part 2
PC
Security: Parental Control Software
PC Security:
Malware - Spyware and Adware
PC Security:
Data Backups
PC Security:
Pop Up Windows
PC
Security: Safe Public Computer Use
More
Articles
Web Development Tutorials
Cascading Style
Sheets Tutorial: An Introduction to Cascading Style Sheets
JavaScript
Tutorial: An Introduction to JavaScript
Web
Development: A step by step guide to developing a successful Internet
business
HTML
Codes Chart: Copy and paste HTML codes for your web page
HTML Tips:
Copy and paste special effect HTML codes for your web page
Web Design
Tips: Tips, tricks, and special effect codes for your web page
JavaScript
Code Snippets: Copy and paste special effect JavaScript codes for your
web page
216
Web Safe Color Chart: Hexadecimal and RGB Color Codes for your web page
ASCII Character
Codes Chart: American Standard Code for Information
Interchange character codes chart
|
|
