Safety Tips: Using a Public Computer
Safety Tips for Using Public Computers
Not everyone has access to a personal computer or portable device that can enable them to surf the web, sign up for services or even complete a work or school report. With this in mind, public computers are offered in many locations to assist those in need.
Whether you're surfing the web on a school computer or you've logged in at the local library to file online applications for employment, you're at risk for attack in both the online and offline arenas. While these computers are free to use and are often equipped with some form of protection, just like any other machine that accesses the Internet, they do have their share of vulnerabilities.
Since users of public computers can't necessarily download the latest antivirus protections onto a borrowed machine, it's important to know what measures can be taken to protect personal information from prying eyes.
Here are some safety tips anyone can employ while using public computers via public networks to access the Internet:
- Avoid entering sensitive information onto a public computer: While it might be necessary to enter Social Security information, payment data and other personal facts to complete a transaction or sign up for some services online, doing so via a public computer is subject to a number of pitfalls. The reality is public machines can be infected with key logger malware that captures this information. So, whenever possible, save this type of data sensitive online work for a time when access to a private computer and network is feasible. If it's impossible to wait, take the time to make sure no one can see the screen as you enter personal information. (A person in the library with you, for example, can steal your data just as easily as a hacker.) Also, make sure to find out what, if any, protections a machine has on it before deciding to use it for entering sensitive data.
- Don't save logons onto a machine: When accessing account-based websites via a public computer, be sure to logout of the service when a session is over. Just because a new website is accessed following a visit to a site you've logged into doesn't mean the next user can't hit the back button and access your logged in account. Some systems are setup to automatically save information, as well, so be sure to see if this feature can be disabled.
- Do not walk away from a machine while it's in use: Leaving data up on a screen and walking away can open the door for all sorts of problems. Not all attacks on public computers come from cybercriminals. The fact is sensitive data typed onto a screen can be snatched by a snoop in the very same room.
- Erase activity: At the end of an online session on a public computer, be sure to delete temporary Internet files and browsing history.
- Disable password saving: If a public computer uses a browser such as Internet Explorer, take the time to set the Internet Options so passwords and user names are not stored. Just click on tools and go to Internet Options through the browser. Under the content tab select settings and make sure the check box is cleared by “user names on passwords and forms.”
- Change passwords once you're on a secured machine: It might be necessary to use a public computer to access accounts, file reports and so on, but doing so does put data at risk. Even with precautions, passwords and login information can be compromised. With this in mind, it's a good idea to change passwords as soon as possible after finishing a public session.
- Take care to protect hard copies: If a public computer is being used to fill out important applications, such as tax returns for example, take care to safeguard the hard copy data that is brought along to complete the online forms. Just as a snoop in a public setting might look over your shoulder to snatch a bank account number, that same person might grab a hard copy of a W-2. In doing so, the person would gain a great deal of personal information that can be used in identity theft schemes.
- Exercise basic online security measures: It doesn't matter how well secured a public computer happens to be, it can't protect you from yourself. When accessing the Internet via a public machine be sure to exercise the same safety protocols that should be used at home or work. That means avoiding unknown websites, not following through on links sent via email and using extreme caution when entering sensitive data.
Avoiding the use of public computers is sometimes impossible. It is, however, possible to protect yourself in the process. Be discriminating in the types of work completed on these machines and take care during use.
Additional readings:
- University of Maryland: Privacy Tips for Using Public Computers and Wireless Networks
- StaySafeOnline.org: Protecting Privacy While Using Public Computers & Wi-Fi Tip Sheet (PDF)
- Government of Canada, Get Cyber Safe: A public computer is everyone's computer
- Get Safe Online: Computer Use in Public Places
- Identity Theft Resource Center: Keep Yourself Safe When Using Public Computers
- University of Rochester: Public Computer Safety (PDF)
- Elon University: Tips When Using Shared Computers
- PC Magazine: How to Clear Your Cache on Any Browser
- Google Chrome: Clear browsing data in Google Chrome
- Mozzila Firefox: Delete browsing, search and download history on Firefox
- Microsoft Internet Explorer: View and delete your browsing history in Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Edge: View and delete browser history in Microsoft Edge
- Apple Mac: Clear your browsing history in Safari on Mac
- Apple Mobile Devices: Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch