Computers at internet cafés, libraries, airports and hotels are convenient, but because so many people use them, they are more likely to be infected by malicious software than other computers.
You should assume they are already compromised with malware that can capture anything you do online and capture any passwords you type in or any content you view online.
When using a public computer, it is not wise to submit or access any sensitive information online regardless of whether or not it uses a valid digital certificate and encryption.
You also need to make sure that public computers do not save your personal information, which could be used after you leave.
Top tips
- Don't save your user name and password. Always make sure that you turn off the option to save them when logging into your email account and other websites.
- Make sure no-one is watching you. When you are using public computers, people might look over your shoulder to obtain your personal information.
- Log out if you leave the computer, even if it is just for a moment. If possible, do not leave the computer unattended while you are still logged in.
- Delete your browsing history before you log out of the computer. Internet browsers store information about your passwords and the pages that you visit.
- Don't type in financial details or sensitive personal information. Don't do any banking or use any web sites where you have to provide banking or credit card details.
- Don't use your USB memory stick. If you need to use your memory stick, scan it with your anti-virus program before you use it again
On this page
- Steps to protect yourself when using public computers
Fact sheets and resources
Smart behaviors to protect your personal and financial information - watch our video on protecting your personal and financial information. A text transcript is also available.
Steps to protect yourself when using public computers
- Don't save your user name and password. Always make sure that you turn off the option to save them when logging into your email account and other websites. Always click log out when leaving a website.
- Make sure no-one is watching you. When you are using public computers, people might look over your shoulder to obtain your personal information.
- Log out if you leave the computer, even if it is just for a moment. If possible, do not leave the computer unattended while you are still logged in.
- Delete your browsing history before you log out of the computer. Internet browsers store information about your passwords and the pages that you visit. Go to the tools menu of the internet browser and select options or internet options. Make sure that the browser has any auto complete function turned off, delete any cookies, and clear the history.
- Don't type in sensitive information. Even if you take the precautions listed above, public computers may have malicious software called a keystroke logger installed. These can capture your password, credit card number and bank details as you enter them. Avoid doing financial transactions that could reveal sensitive information.
- Avoid using your USB memory stick. It could pick up malicious software from the public computer and spread it to other computers, including your computer at home. If you need to use your memory stick, scan it with your anti-virus program before you use it again.
