|
|
|
| Public computers at libraries, Internet cafes, airports, and copy shops are convenient, cheaper than buying your own laptop, and sometimes even free to use. But are they safe? Depends on how you use them. Here are 5 tips on using public computers without compromising your personal or financial information. |
|
| Don't save your login information |
|
| Always logout of Web sites by pressing logout on the site, instead of by closing the browser window or by typing in another address. This will help keep other users from accessing your information. Many programs (especially instant messenger programs) include automatic login features that will save your username and password. Disable this option so no one accidentally (or on purpose) logs in as you. |
|
| Don't leave the computer unattended |
|
| If you have to leave the public computer for any amount of time, logout of all programs and close all windows that may include sensitive information. |
|
| Erase your tracks |
|
| When you're done using a public computer you should delete all the temporary files and your Internet history. |
|
| To delete your temporary Internet files and your history |
|
- In Internet Explorer click Tools and then click Internet Options.
- On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files click Delete Files and then click Delete Cookies.
- Under History, click Clear History.
|
|
| Watch for over-the-shoulder snoops |
|
| Because there's so much in the news about how hackers can digitally sneak into your personal files, we sometimes forget about the old fashioned version of snooping. When you're using a public computer, be on the look out for thieves who collect your information by looking over your shoulder or watching as you enter sensitive passwords. |
|
| Don't enter sensitive information into a public computer |
|
| The measures listed above will provide some protection against casual hackers who use a public computer after you have. However, an industrious thief may have installed sophisticated software on the public computer that will record every keystroke and then e-mail 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 a public computer. |
|
|
| top |
|
| Itechcare Network in Singapore: |
| Singapore |
|
(Tel) |
|
(Fax) |
| Central/CBD |
|
65-6241 9544 |
|
65-6389 3988 |
| West/Jurong |
|
65-6245 7988 |
|
65-6836 0284 |
| |
| Itechcare Network in Malaysia: |
| Klang Valley |
|
(Tel) |
|
(Fax) |
| KL/Plaza Low Yat |
|
03-2146 2929 |
|
03-2146 2379 |
| KL/Kuchai Lama |
|
03-7987 1951 |
|
03-7980 4157 |
| KL/Bangsar |
|
03-2288 1313 |
|
03-2284 4515 |
| PJ/Damansara |
|
03-6277 1280 |
|
03-7727 1686 |
| Selangor/Klang |
|
03-3323 7645 |
|
03-3324 8415 |
| Selangor/Shah Alam |
|
03-5192 2571 |
|
03-5192 7735 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Peninsular |
 |
(Tel) |
|
(Fax) |
| Kedah/Alor Star |
|
04-777 2669 |
|
04-777 2668 |
| Kedah/Sg Petani |
|
04-422 9299 |
|
04-422 1299 |
| Penang |
|
04-643 6073 |
|
04-647 2040 |
| Perak/Ipoh |
|
05-292 3159 |
|
05-292 3159 |
| Melaka/Bkt Rambai |
|
06-334 0396 |
|
06-334 0396 |
| Johor/Batu Pahat |
|
07-434 6822 |
|
07-433 7822 |
| Kelantan |
|
09-747 9788 |
|
09-747 2198 |
| Terengganu |
|
09-631 1823 |
|
09-631 1824 |
| Pahang |
|
09-548 3178 |
|
09-548 3175 |
|
