USE PUBLIC COMPUTERS CAREFULLY



to use a public computer or internet connection safely

  • Using a computer in an internet cafe or using a public Wi-Fi (wireless) internet connection poses some security problems. Learn how to avoid them.

    Risks

    • Spyware on public computers captures private information.
    • Eavesdroppers on wireless networks capture passwords and read private emails.
    • Someone steals your bag and your laptop at the same time.
    • Any public computer is potentially risky, whether it is in a library, a shop or an internet cafe.

    Protect yourself in internet cafes

    • Take care of your personal belongings.
    • Don’t leave the computer unattended.
    • Be careful who is watching over your shoulder.
    • Choose reputable internet cafes that completely erase the disk you were using and reinstall the operating system from scratch for each user.
    • Use a web-based spyware detection program to scan for spyware before using an untrusted public computers.
    • Protect passwords. Before going online using Internet Explorer, click Internet Options on the tools menu. On the Content tab, click AutoComplete. Uncheck the four boxes. When you finish surfing, go back to the same options page and click Clear Forms and Clear Passwords.
    • Cover your tracks. When you finish surfing with Microsoft Internet Explorer, click Internet Options on the tools menu. On the General tab, click Delete Files and Delete Cookies. Then click Clear History.
    • Consider changing any passwords you may have used on a public computer once you get back home.
    • Exercise caution. Avoid financial transactions that might reveal valuable passwords or personal information like credit card numbers.
    • If you use a web mail account to read your email, such as Hotmail or Yahoo!, be sure that it uses a secure web link.

    Public Wi-Fi security

    • Avoidusing hotspots that are run by people you don't know or trust.
    • If possible, use well-known, commercial hotspot providers such as BT OpenZone or T-Mobile.
    • Disable wireless networking when you’re not using it.
    • Turn off ad-hoc mode on your network card. Only allow connections to access points.
    • Be wary of transmitting private information over a public wireless access point but if you do, ensure that you are using a secure web page.
    • Use an encrypted connection to the access point. WPA is better than WEP which is better than nothing.
    • For access to corporate networks, use a secure, encrypted VPN.
    • Ensure the rest of your security is sound, especially your firewall.