Using public computers safely

Logging in to public computers at libraries, Internet cafés, a friend’s home, or any other location is a very good way to check e-mail and stay connected. However, before you use a computer that isn’t your own, consider taking four safety precautions:

• Find out if the computer is protected from viruses and various forms of malware. Is there a firewall in place? If the computer is not well protected, it’s likely to be infected with malicious programs, some of which could grab your information including passwords, address book, or personally identifiable information. The safe choice is to assume the computer is infected and be cautious about the information you reveal.

• Erase your tracks. Here are some tips to foil thieves who may use the computer after you and try to follow your trail.

  • Make sure your account doesn’t automatically save your password and user ID. That way, the next person won’t be able to sign in as you.

  • Before you log in to any site—for example, your e-mail or instant messaging (IM account)—check to see if the program automatically saves your user name and password and whether there is a way to logout. Yahoo!, for example, keeps you signed in for two weeks by default.

  • Erase any history of your presence on a public computer. Web browsers automatically track the sites you’ve visited and possibly the passwords used as well. In the browser delete temporary Internet files and the history of your activity on that computer:

• Guard against snoops:

  • Make sure no one is watching as you type. People looking for passwords, user names, or other sensitive information can watch your fingers or the screen as you type. Look around before logging on to be sure no one is watching.

  • Never walk away from the computer without logging off every program. Even if you will only be gone for a moment, it only takes that long for someone to grab your information. Log off every program that requires your login, password, or contains sensitive information. Simply closing the browser will not remove your information; neither will going to a different Web site.

• Some information is NEVER safe to enter on a public computer. To protect yourself, never pay bills, make purchases, check bank accounts, enter social security numbers, your address, or any other personally identifiable information into a public computer. This precaution is your best insurance against identify theft if the computer is compromised by keystroke loggers or other malicious software.