ProtectMyID

By Nikki Junker, Identity Theft Resource Center

With our lives being so packed full of activities these days, it is not uncommon for people to need public computers to stay connected while out and about. This could be a business person using the hotel business center, a college student in the library, or a traveler checking their email in the airport. While we are all aware that computers retain information from their users, a public computer user may not consider just how dangerous that information could be in the wrong hands. Retained Internet history, passwords or social network log-in credentials provide an excellent opportunity for identity thieves to access all of the information they will need to steal the user’s identity. However, following the tips below can help decrease the risk of becoming the target of identity thieves:

• Don’t save your log-in credentials: Upon signing into personal online accounts (email, banking, social networks, etc.) most internet browsers ask the user if they would like for the computer to remember the log-in credentials. While this is helpful for those of us with a bad memory, it is incredibly dangerous, especially on a public computer, and it is recommended that users choose to not have the computer remember login credentials and passwords. On public computers, it is pointless to have this information retained, as you are unlikely to need it again. Further, all an identity thief has to do is access the computer after you and double click on any site where you have log-in information saved. This will give them access to your accounts.
• Don’t leave the computer unattended: Whether sensitive information is present on the screen or not, users should never leave their computer unattended. Just a few minutes is all a thief needs to jump on the computer, do a little backtracking, and obtain a wealth of information about whoever was using the computer previously.
• Keep an eye out for shoulder surfing: Shoulder surfing is when a thief stands within close proximity to a victim in order to over-hear or over-see personal information. Be aware of anyone standing behind you or anyone who can’t seem to keep their eyes on their own screen.
• Don’t enter sensitive information into a public computer: Sometimes users have an emergency and have to use a public computer to access a bank account or school records. However, it is highly recommended that users refrain from entering the sensitive information associated with these tasks into public computers. Even if all of the other safety tips here are followed, users cannot be sure that this personal information is not going to be captured via key loggers or spyware.
• Erase your tracks: There a few steps users should take before leaving their session at a public computer in order to erase some of the data that has been stored during their use. Though it may sound confusing, it is actually quite simple and will usually only take a few seconds. You can find exact instruction here for Internet Explorer, which operates very similarly to other browsers. Users should remember to: 
  • Delete Internet history
  • Delete cookies
  • Delete temporary internet files

In the end, the best way to protect yourself is to act as though you are being watched and to think twice about what you would be sharing. This is a good hard and quick rule to protect your information should you find yourself needing to use a public computer and will help you avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.