Safety tips for using a public computer
How safe is public computers?
Many people uses Cyber Cafes, Colleges, Airports to browse Internet. Generally people check emails, bank accounts, Instant Messengers and many more in Internet. While using these services we have to enter personal or financial information like username and password. Its not safe for you to use public computers as you like.
The safety of public computers depends on how you use them. Follow these steps to keep your sensitive information safe.
> Don’t save your logon information.
When you try to logon to web sites or Instant messengers you provide ID and Password. Before logon there you read remember me on this computer. Do not check this option. If you check this, It will keep your log on information on that computer. So, Others may access your Information.
> 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.
> 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 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.
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.
> 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.
> 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.