{"id":76586,"date":"2024-09-30T14:00:23","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T14:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/762ebb73991d4cef4423cb0a3633d51d"},"modified":"2024-09-30T14:00:23","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T14:00:23","slug":"think-twice-before-using-public-computers-heres-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.timesamerica.net\/think-twice-before-using-public-computers-heres-why\/","title":{"rendered":"Think twice before using public computers: Here’s why"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever found yourself in a pinch, needing to check your email or print a document while you’re out and about? Maybe you\u2019re traveling and need to send a quick message, or perhaps you\u2019re at a coffee shop and want to catch up on work. Public computers in libraries, hotel lobbies or internet cafes might seem like a lifesaver in these moments. But hold up. Before you start typing away, let\u2019s discuss why you should think twice before using these shared machines.<\/p>\n

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT\u2019S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\"Think<\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Public computers may seem convenient, but there are hidden dangers.<\/span> (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The sneaky dangers of public computers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1) Malware mayhem<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Here’s a situation you may be confronted with. You’re checking your social media on a library, cafe or hotel lobby computer, but little do you know, there’s a digital gremlin lurking in the background. Yep, malware<\/u><\/span> on public computers. These nasty programs can snatch your passwords, personal messages and even financial details faster than you can say “identity theft.”<\/p>\n

2) Privacy? What privacy?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Using a public computer is like having a conversation in a crowded room: everyone can potentially hear (or see) what you’re up to. Browsers on these machines might be set up to remember everything you do. Your search history, saved passwords and that embarrassing social media video you watched? All are potentially up for grabs by the next user.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Think<\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Public computers at a library<\/span> (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

11 THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR PRIVACY CHECKLIST ONLINE ASAP<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

3) Session hijacking<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Imagine logging into your email and then grabbing a coffee while still logged in. In that brief moment, a tech-savvy criminal could hijack your active session, gaining full access to your account without needing your password. They could send emails as you, access your contacts or worse, all while you’re blissfully unaware.<\/p>\n

4) Shoulder surfing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Public computers are often in busy areas where anyone can glance at your screen. A seemingly innocent bystander could be memorizing your passwords, credit card details or other sensitive information as you type. This low-tech but effective method of information theft is surprisingly common.<\/p>\n

5) USB port peril<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Those convenient USB ports on public computers? They might be secretly housing “USB killers,” which are devices that can fry your external drive or smartphone when plugged in. Or worse, they could be set up to automatically copy data from any device connected to them.<\/p>\n

6) Fake login pages<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cybercriminals sometimes set up convincing fake login pages on public computers. You think you’re logging into your account, but you’re actually handing your credentials directly to a hacker. These phishing attempts<\/u><\/span> can be incredibly sophisticated and hard to spot.<\/p>\n

7) Screen capture software<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some public computers may have screen capture software installed, taking periodic screenshots of user activity. This means even if you’re careful about what you type, sensitive information displayed on the screen could still be captured and stored.<\/p>\n

8) Compromised hardware<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It’s not just the software you need to worry about. Hardware keyloggers<\/u><\/span> \u2013 small devices that record every keystroke \u2013 can be physically attached to public computers without being easily noticeable. These devices can capture everything you type, from passwords to private messages.<\/p>\n

By understanding these hidden risks, you can better protect yourself when using public computers. Remember, when it comes to shared machines, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Think<\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Public computers at a library<\/span> (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

6 PRIVACY AND SECURITY MYTHS TO CLEAR UP ONCE AND FOR ALL<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Best practices on a public computer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Alright, sometimes you just gotta use a public computer. I get it. But let’s make sure you’re not leaving digital breadcrumbs for the bad guys to follow:<\/p>\n