When you use an Internet Café, you will be exposed to threats such as identity thefts and Phishing attacks. It is becoming common and is predicted to increase in the years to come. There is a reason why you will be so vulnerable to such attacks. You can never be sure that the computer will be free from malware. On the other hand, simple measures when followed ensure online safety at all times.

You should make it a point never to enter any of your personal details on a public computer. Keystroke recorders otherwise known as keyloggers can easily trace your keystrokes and steal information such as login IDs and passwords. The following are a few measures that you can take to prevent mishaps

Remove hardware keyloggers

You will find this tiny USB device inserted between the keyboard and the tower. However there is a problem, sometimes you may not be able to spot the difference between a keylogger and an extension cable.

This device is capable of tracing all the keystrokes and transferring the information to a distant computer. So how can you get rid of such a possibility? Simple, physically check for its presence as the first measure. You can avoid leaking your personal data this way.

Check for the internet address

When you login to a public computer, you can check the address to keep you safe at all times. When you shop online or do any other activity on a computer that is not yours, check whether the ’https’ is present in the beginning of a URL.

The letter ‘s’ that follows ‘http’ means that your connection is secure. That means whatever information you enter on that web page will be treated confidential and it will remain safe.

Preventing phishing scams

Some of the Internet Cafes have the updated versions of browsers with anti-Phishing tools built into the system. Sometimes the older versions make it increasingly difficult to run a modern browser. Portable apps are a good solution in such situations. With a USB Flash Drive, you can take the app wherever you want and use it.

The good thing is that your browsing history will not be stored on the computer. It will be retained in the Flash Drive. You should make an effort to gather information about Phishing sites and identify them easily.

Erase confidential information

If you have to store the file containing all your personal details on a computer in an Internet Café, you should delete it with the help of a program called Eraser. It is also a portable application which makes your job simpler. This application will not allow others to recreate the file, thereby ensuring the safety of all confidential details.

Also make it a point to clear all your browsing history and other cookies and close your browser. Whenever you send important information like passport details and travelers check numbers, use a zipped file. This way, network sniffers will not be able to get access to the data.

Follow these simple steps for a hassle free online experience!

Ryan Larkin is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about Technology. Currently writes for www.firsthomealarm.com – offers full home security to help protect your family, assets from burglary and other crimes. click here, as well as adt.com services.