Think twice before using public computers: Here’s why

Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation and needed to check your email or print a document while you’re away from home? Maybe you’re traveling and want to send a quick message, or maybe you’re at a coffee shop and want to catch up on work. At times like these, public computers in libraries, hotel lobbies and internet cafes can seem like a godsend. But wait. Before you start typing, let’s talk about why you might want to think twice before using these shared computers.

RECEIVE SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR THE KURT’S NEWSLETTER – CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Insidious threats to public computers

1) Malware chaos

Here is a situation you may encounter. You check your social media in the library, at the coffee shop, or on the computer in the hotel lobby, but little do you know that there’s a digital gremlin lurking in the background. Yes, malware on public computers. These nasty programs can steal your passwords, personal messages, and even financial data faster than you can say “identity theft.”

2) Privacy? What privacy?

Using a public computer is like having a conversation in a crowded room: everyone can potentially hear (or see) what you’re doing. The browsers on these computers can be configured to remember everything you do. Your search history, saved terms, and that embarrassing social media video you watched? All are potentially up for grabs by the next user.

11 THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY CHECKLIST ASAP

3) Session hijacking

Imagine logging into your email and then drinking coffee while still logged in. In this brief moment, a technologically savvy criminal can take over your active session, gaining full access to your account without having to enter your password. They can email you, access your contacts, or worse, all while you are blissfully unaware.

4) Shoulder surfing

Public computers are often located in busy places where anyone can glance at the screen. A seemingly innocent bystander may remember your passwords, credit card details, or other confidential information as you type. This high-tech but effective method of stealing information is surprisingly common.

5) USB port danger

Those convenient USB ports on public computers? They may be secretly storing “USB killers,” devices that, when connected, can fry your external drive or smartphone. Or worse, they can be configured to automatically copy data from any device connected to them.

6) Fake login pages

Cybercriminals sometimes set up convincing fake login pages on public computers. You think you’re logging into your account, but you’re actually giving your credentials directly to the hacker. These phishing attempts can be extremely sophisticated and difficult to detect.

7) Screen capture software

Some public computers may have screen capture software installed that periodically takes screenshots of user activity. This means that even if you are careful about what you write, sensitive information on your screen can be intercepted and recorded.

8) Damaged equipment

It’s not just the software you need to worry about. Hardware keyloggers – small devices that record every keystroke – can be physically connected to public computers without being noticed. These devices can capture everything you type, from passwords to private messages.

By understanding these hidden threats, you can better protect yourself when using public computers. Remember that when it comes to shared machines, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

6 PRIVACY AND SECURITY MYTHS YOU NEED TO CLEAR ONCE AND FOREVER

Best practices on a public computer

It’s okay, sometimes you just have to use a public computer. I see. But let’s make sure you don’t leave digital breadcrumbs for bad guys to follow:

Go to incognito mode: Always use private browsing mode. It’s like wearing an invisibility cloak when using the Internet.Log out, log out, log out: Before you leave, triple check that you’ve signed out of all your accounts.Avoid sensitive things: Please, oh please, don’t check your bank account and don’t shop online using public computers. Save this for your safe home setup.USB Note: Thinking about connecting a USB drive? Think again. This is an easy way to catch a digital virus.Clear your traces: Delete your browsing history, cache and any downloaded files. Leave no trace.

6 THINGS TO DO NOW TO INCREASE YOUR SECURITY AND PRIVACY BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

How to cover your tracks after using a public computer

Here’s how to cover your digital tracks across browsers when using a public computer. Remember to do this before logging out:

Chrome:

Run Google Chrome browser on your computer. Click three dots in the upper right corner of the browser window.Tap HistoryScroll down and click Delete browsing data.In the dialog box that appears, select All the time from the time range drop-down list. Check all boxes for the data types you want to clear, e.g Browsing historyClick Delete data to complete the process

Firefox:

Click menu button (three lines) in the upper right corner Select SettingsObtain Privacy and securityUnder Cookies and site dataclick Clear data (Select History, Cookies & Site Data, and Temporary Cached Files and Pages)

Safari:

Crash Safari in the top menuSelect Clear historyTo choose the whole story from the drop-down menuClick Clear history

Edge:

Click three dots in the upper right corner Go to SettingsObtain Privacy, Search and ServicesUnder Delete browsing dataclick Select what you want to cleanTo choose all options and click Clear now

What happens if I use my own device on public Wi-Fi?

Using your own device is definitely safer than a public computer, but hold your horses: public Wi-Fi can still be a digital minefield. Here’s how to stay safe when surfing public networks:

1) Use a VPN: Using a VPN helps protect you from being tracked and helps determine your potential location on websites you visit. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on your privacy settings, may display the city you are corresponding from. A VPN will hide your IP address to show you an alternate location. To find out what the best VPN software is, see my expert review of the best VPNs for private internet browsing on your device Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2) Have strong antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from malicious links installing malware and potentially accessing your private information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal data and digital assets safe. Check out my picks for the top antivirus winners of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

3) Avoid sensitive transactions: Still not the best place for online banking and shopping. Save this for your secure home network.

4) Update your software: Those annoying update notifications? They often contain important security fixes. Therefore, remember to regularly update the software on all your devices.

5) Use two-factor authentication: 2FA is like having a second lock on your digital door.

By implementing these precautions, you can significantly minimize the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi. When accessing open networks, always choose a personal device with adequate security over a public computer. If you choose to use your own device – an option I highly recommend – consider avoiding public Wi-Fi networks in such environments altogether. Instead, you can use your iPhone or Android as a mobile hotspot for a more secure connection.

Benefits in public libraries

While navigating the potential pitfalls of public computers may seem daunting, your local library offers a wealth of free digital resources that can enhance your online experience without the associated risks. Libraries are a treasure trove of valuable services, from borrowing e-books and audiobooks through apps like Libby and Hoopla to accessing free videos and career advice through Kanopy and LinkedIn Learning. Are you interested in the technology gadgets your library offers? Check out our article on free library add-ons. You may be pleasantly surprised by what’s available.

Kurt’s key takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of topics here, from insidious threats lurking on public computers to the dos and don’ts of using public Wi-Fi. Conclusion? Be careful, be smart and always make digital security a priority. Remember that while public computers and Wi-Fi can save lives in a pinch, they are not without risks. If you absolutely must use them, follow our tips to minimize your exposure. But if possible, stick to your own devices and secure networks.

Have you ever encountered security issues when using public computers or Wi-Fi networks? If so, how did you handle the situation? Let us know by writing to the addressCyberguy.com/Contact .

For more tech tips and security alerts, sign up for my free CyberGuy Report newsletter by clicking Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover .

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

FacebookYouTubeInstagram

Answers to CyberGuy’s most frequently asked questions:

What’s the best way to protect your Mac, Windows devices, iPhone and Android from hackers? What is the best way to maintain privacy, security and anonymity when browsing the Internet? How to get rid of robocalls from data deletion apps and services How do I delete my private data from the Internet?

New from Kurt:

Try new CyberGuy games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!)