When you use an Internet Café, you will be exposed to threats such as identity thefts and Phishing attacks. It is becoming common and is predicted to increase in the years to come. There is a reason why you will be so vulnerable to such attacks. You can never be sure that the computer will be free from malware. On the other hand, simple measures when followed ensure online safety at all times.
You should make it a point never to enter any of your personal details on a public computer. Keystroke recorders otherwise known as keyloggers can easily trace your keystrokes and steal information such as login IDs and passwords. The following are a few measures that you can take to prevent mishaps
Remove hardware keyloggers
You will find this tiny USB device inserted between the keyboard and the tower. However there is a problem, sometimes you may not be able to spot the difference between a keylogger and an extension cable.
This device is capable of tracing all the keystrokes and transferring the information to a distant computer. So how can you get rid of such a possibility? Simple, physically check for its presence as the first measure. You can avoid leaking your personal data this way.
Check for the internet address
When you login to a public computer, you can check the address to keep you safe at all times. When you shop online or do any other activity on a computer that is not yours, check whether the ’https’ is present in the beginning of a URL.
The letter ‘s’ that follows ‘http’ means that your connection is secure. That means whatever information you enter on that web page will be treated confidential and it will remain safe.
Preventing phishing scams
Some of the Internet Cafes have the updated versions of browsers with anti-Phishing tools built into the system. Sometimes the older versions make it increasingly difficult to run a modern browser. Portable apps are a good solution in such situations. With a USB Flash Drive, you can take the app wherever you want and use it.
The good thing is that your browsing history will not be stored on the computer. It will be retained in the Flash Drive. You should make an effort to gather information about Phishing sites and identify them easily.
Erase confidential information
If you have to store the file containing all your personal details on a computer in an Internet Café, you should delete it with the help of a program called Eraser. It is also a portable application which makes your job simpler. This application will not allow others to recreate the file, thereby ensuring the safety of all confidential details.
Also make it a point to clear all your browsing history and other cookies and close your browser. Whenever you send important information like passport details and travelers check numbers, use a zipped file. This way, network sniffers will not be able to get access to the data.
Follow these simple steps for a hassle free online experience!
Ryan Larkin is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about Technology. Currently writes for www.firsthomealarm.com – offers full home security to help protect your family, assets from burglary and other crimes. click here, as well as adt.com services.
Essential Safety Tips while using an Internet Café,
TracyAnn0312
Aug 06. 2012
Information about the safety of internet can be a good way in order for many people to be safe while they are in cafe. Thanks for sharing the wonderful information you have.
admin
Aug 10. 2012
You are welcome
Amanda
Aug 06. 2012
Of course, the most important point is to delete all logos and passwords, because it won’t be very pleasant for anyone to know that there is someone who can enter your account on some websites
Peter
Aug 06. 2012
I don’t remember the last time I went into an internet cafe. People visiting these outlets nowadays are usually online gamers trying to play online computer games. There’re still some using the computers at these outlets for surfing, but the numbers are low or depends on which country I supposed. Nevertheless, precaution is always better than cure; the safety tips above are always worth reminding. Thanks!
craig
Aug 06. 2012
Some great tips there
If the browser you have also has private browsing or incognito mode it is worth using that so that your history is not tracked
admin
Aug 10. 2012
Thanks, that’s right very straight forward incognito mode.
migisi
Aug 10. 2012
These are the really very useful tips and important also. Our password is the main and important but most of the cafe they do not use them. If we delete the history also our password can be track by the server by using many software. Its useful information.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
admin
Aug 10. 2012
You are welcome.
Praveen
Aug 11. 2012
It is very useful & good knowledgeable post, i follow you instruction when i going in Internet Café..
admin
Aug 18. 2012
Thank you, I’m glad you find it useful:)
Ash
Aug 13. 2012
Great post! I was on vacation and had to logon at an internet cafe to check emails, tweets etc. This article came in handy 😀
admin
Aug 18. 2012
Nice to know that, Ash..It’s always better to be safe.
W at Off-Road Finance
Aug 23. 2012
Keyloggers in cafes are a serious problem. Especially in first world internet cafes, because the IDs and credit cards being stolen are very valuable.
admin
Aug 28. 2012
Thank you, W at Off-Road Finance for the comment. Yes, Important information like banking, email username and passwords. It’s really advisable to follow safety when doing transactions outside.
Ara
Oct 24. 2012
very useful tips! my facebook and twitter got hacked before because i forgot to logout before leaving the internet cafe. argh! thank God i recovered it! So that another lesson learned, always logout if your using a public computer.