Using a public computer, safely…
March 26, 2010 Computer Safety Tip
If you are anything like me, you will have wondered on numerous occasions – how safe it is really to use computers in 
a public library, Internet café, or other public places?
Especially when connecting your external hard drive or USB modems to these type mediums. Will I lose all my information and important documents? Will my private data become public domain, accessible and seen by all?
In light of all the various malicious content available online these days, one definitely needs to ensure you are up to speed on all things computer safety and security, as the last thing you will want is to have to deal with a case of stolen identity or loss of data from your external devices.
It is very important to keep your personal information and financial information safe at all times, especially when using a public computer. So, experts recommend that you do not surf the net, or access any computer with a device which contains any personal and confidential material, as this will only put your data at risk of being stolen and compromised.
The most important thing you should do is ensure that your passwords are secured. Some people like to use simple passwords, some people even use “password” as their password.
You should try to make your password a combination of numbers and letters and at least eight characters long, don’t forget to remember it. If you make it easy to guess your password then it’s your fault if your account gets hacked.
Basically, one should always bear in mind that as informative and useful as the internet is, it is also a haven for predators, looking for ways to coerce and embezzle money from unsuspecting individuals!
Don’t be a statistic and fall victim to these ploys! Instead – be weary and wise, and do not trust that a public computer will be safe for your data.
Advisable is to rather to what you need to do on these public computers, but do not store any valuable data on that computer, or even your flash drive, as the possibilities of your data being placed at risk this way, is highly likely!
