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Shared & Public Computers & Internet Cafes:
How safe am I?

There are a number of risks involved when using shared computers, public computers and wireless networks at places like libraries, Internet cafes, airports, and copy shops. The network may be poorly secured and easily exploitable by hackers and thieves--one of whom may be sitting right next to you, looking over your shoulder, and stealing your information. A hacker may even be the one running the free wireless signal you've lucked upon, grabbing all of your information as fast as you can send it. The use of shared and public computers and wireless hotspots is ill-advised if you are working with sensitive information of any kind.

Some common risks associated with using shared & public computers and Internet cafes are:

  • Web Browsers often record (or cache) your browsing history in cookies, enabling companies and individuals to track your surfing habits and possibly access your online accounts you've logged into.
  • Keyloggers may be installed that track your keystrokes in order to access your passwords and user IDs.
  • Spyware may track your browsing habits and record your passwords and login information.
  • The free wireless network you're connected to may be run by a hacker.
  • Thieves literally looking over your shoulder to steal personal and sensitive information.

Some common risks associated with using shared computers on campus are:

  • Web browsers may record (or cache) your browsing history or documents in cookies, enabling other individuals to view the websites you visited or documents you printed.

Guidelines for using a shared or public computer:

  • Log off any online sessions.
  • Delete browser cache/temp files.
  • Never use the Remember or store passwords for online web sites.
  • Never leave your computer unattended while logged into any online web sites.

A major risk of using public computers is "browser caching," which saves and may allow others to access your online accounts.
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Security Checklist - Shared & Public Computers & Internet Cafes check
Using shared computers, public computers, Internet cafes, and the like may expose you to identity theft or other cybercrimes. Complete this checklist to reduce your risk when using them.

I always log out or sign off my online account session properly by using the appropriate link -- not by clicking the "X" to close the window (which may leave the session open to "hijacking").
(What is session hijacking?)

I change my e-mail and other account passwords regularly.

When I am finished accessing the Internet, I always clear the history/cache of sites I've visited to erase all trace of what I've done on that system.
(How do I clear my Internet browser history?)

I never use the "Remember me" or similar feature on any site I visit.
I look to see if anyone is watching my computer activity, and I use a privacy screen if I have my own laptop.

I don't leave my work or online accounts open and unattended at any time, not even to take a quick phone call.

Before connecting to a wireless network, I look for a sign that displays the network name (SSID) and verifies that I am connecting to a legitimate service.

If I don't plan to connect to the Internet, I shut off my wireless card to prevent intrusion (and save battery life).

If I must conduct secure transactions on a public computer or wireless network, I use VPN, web-based SSL-VPN or the Secure Exchange of Large Files (sELF) web application to encrypt my data.
(What are VPN and sELF?)

If use my laptop on a public network, I turn off shared folders to protect myself in the event I accidentally join a malicious network.
(How do I turn off file-sharing on my PC or Mac?)

I run anti-virus on my laptop and keep it up to date.
(Where can I download free anti-virus software?)


Security Awareness Checklists

Passwords - Macintosh OS - Windows OS - Anti-Spyware for Windows
Anti-Virus Software - Sensitive Data - Backups - Email - Internet - Identity Theft
Mobile Devices - Internet Cafes & Public Computers - Physical Security