Tip #4729 - Securely Using Public Computers
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Securely
Using Public Computers
I have written
several articles in the past about ways you can protect your computer,
but what if you're not using your own computer? What if you're using
a public computer instead (at a library or hotel, for example?) Those
computers may not be as secure as your home system and you need to
take the proper steps to ensure your personal data stays safe. Here
are five tips you can follow for securely using a public computer!
1.) Don't
Do Online Banking
I know this seems
like a no brainer, but people do it. If you're using a public computer
and you log in to your online banking Web site, you're putting yourself
at great risk. There is no way to tell if there's spyware or adware
on the computer you're using that could steal your data. That's why
it's never a good idea to do any of your banking on a public computer.
2.) Don't
Save Anything
Would you bring
a stack of tax documents to a hotel lobby and leave them there? Probably
not! The same goes for saving any of your personal documents on a
public computer. This one applies to files, passwords, music, pictures,
downloads, etc. It's just not a good idea to do anything like that
on a public computer.
3.) Don't
Buy Anything
This tip is similar
to the first one. Buying something on a public computer usually involves
some sort of financial information, which is simply a bad idea!
4.) Delete
Internet Explorer Temporary Files
This is a simple
step that will help a lot! After you're finished using a public computer,
make sure you delete the Internet Explorer temp files. To do that,
go to Tools, Internet Options and
click on the Delete button. Then just click Delete
All. That way, no one else will know what you did on the
computer.
5.) Restart
the Computer
This is another
simple step that will do a lot of good. Restarting the computer after
you're done using it will delete a lot of the temporary files and
it will clear out the memory of the computer. People waiting behind
you to use the computer might not like the hold up, but when it comes
to your safety, it's a very important step.
Until next time, stay safe
out there, my friends!
~ Gary
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