Prevent Identity Theft When Using a Public Computer

Most of us have used a public computer at some point in our lives, If you haven't, there might come a time where your computer crashes, or on vacation, where you will need to go to the local library or a Lan Cafe to use a public computer.  

Either way, using public computers will always carry a risk of exposing your personal data.

Below are some things you can do to try to eliminate the risk of Identity Theft after using a public computer.

- Pay attention to your surroundings and use common sense

I know its pretty obvious but it really is the most important thing to do.  Remember to pay attention to things outside of the actual computer, be aware of who's sitting next to you, don't view any truly sensitive documents you couldn't bear for others to see, like your bank accounts, etc.

 - Don't leave the computer unattended with sensitive information on the screen.

If you have to leave the public computer, log out of all programs and close all windows that might display sensitive information

 - Delete your Browsing History

When you've finished browsing, it's a good idea to delete your cookies, form data, history, and temporary internet files if using Internet Explorer.

You can do all this at once by doing the following.

Tools

Click on Internet Options

Check the box that says Delete Browsing history on exit, and then click on the Delete button.

Click on the  Check Boxes next to everything that you want gone.

Hit the Delete button and it will wipe it clean!.

- Don't save passwords

To make sure passwords are not saved in Internet Explorer, go to:

Tools

Click on Internet Options

Click on the Content tab then click on the Settings button in the AutoComplete area.

Make sure the box that says User names and passwords on forms is not checked.

- Don't save files locally

When you're using a computer other than your own, even if it's a trusted friend’s machine, it's polite to avoid saving files locally if you can help it. This is basically equivalent to not cluttering up another person’s home with your junk. On a public machine, though, this goes beyond politeness and is an important security practice. Many of the files you would normally save locally, such as e-mail attachments, can contain private or sensitive information. An easy way to protect this data is to carry a flash drive and save files there when necessary. It’s also a good idea to attach the flash drive to your key ring so you’ll be less likely to misplace it and create a new security problem.

- Don't do online banking

Do I need to explain?  if you really need to check your balance on the road  Download a banking application for your phone if your bank provides it, or find a branch office / ATM.

- Don't enter credit card information

As with online banking, public computers are not the place for online shopping. Your purchases from eBay or Amazon.com can and should wait until you can browse from a more secure location. A little added convenience isn't worth the trouble of having your credit card hijacked

- Reboot

When you’re finished using the public computer, the final thing you should do is a hard reboot.  This will not only clear the pagefile, if you've enabled that option, but it will also clear out everything you did from the physical memory (RAM).

Hopefully next time you use a public computer you will know how to protect your Identity.  By not doing anything leaves you exposed to Identity Theft!.

If you have any questions or would like to suggest any topics you would like to see on this page please email me at William@Techsupportman.com