Be Wary Of What You Do On Public Computers

by on Feb 20, 2008 | 1 comment

You can file this one under the “obvious” category, but I figured this is worth a brief write up.

Whenever you use a public computer, be it at a coffee shop, library or wherever, do not ever go to a sensitive site such as your online banking. The reason is simple: since public computers are available for anyone to use, you don’t know who was using the machine before you and what they did. There is always the possibility malicious software, such as a keylogger, is installed on the machine and just waiting for you to visit your bank and capture your login information.

Keep in mind the machine available may not be properly locked down and may be open for anyone to install anything. Not visiting a sensitive site on a public computer – at all – is really the only 100% way to make sure you are safe from this type of theft.

Free eBook!

Like what you read?

If so, please join over 28,000 people who receive our exclusive weekly newsletter and computer tips, and get FREE COPIES of 5 eBooks we created, as our gift to you for subscribing. Just enter your name and email below:

Post A Comment Using Facebook

  • charles

    I heard the same message on Sunday on the Kim Komando Show. Sometimes I like to listen to the show to see what she is talking about. Maybe this will get out to the masses.

    I think there was a reference to a method to use a browser stored on a USB drive, so you dont leave your data on the computer.

What’s Your Preference?

Daily Alerts

Each day we send out a quick email to thousands of PCMECH readers to notify them of new posts. This email is just a short, plain email with titles and links to our latest posts. You can unsubscribe from this service at any time.

You can subscribe to it by leaving your email address in the following field and confirming your subscription when you get an email asking you to do so.

Enter your email address for
Daily Updates:

Weekly Newsletter

Running for over 6 years, the PCMECH weekly newsletter helps you keep tabs on the world of tech. Each issue includes news bits, an article, an exclusive rant as well as a download of the week. This newsletter is subscribed to by over 28,000 readers (many who also subscribe to the other option) - come join the community!

To subscribe to this weekly newsletter simply add your email address to the following field and then follow the confirmation prompts. You will be able to unsubscribe at any time.

Enter your email address for
Free Weekly Newsletter: