Information Security Awarenes Training - Security Using Public Internet Access Points   by Maija Sedleniece

Internet comes to peoples lives and then suddenly comes truth, that WE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT INTERNET. We can't even simple daily activities do without Internet, but not always we can use Internet at work or home. It is a fact and no one can deny that. Because more and more cities going wireless - get wireless network which spread all city so that everyone with laptop an wireless card can get access to the Internet, and also there are Internet café and other Internet access points.
That is very good, that our lives isn't dependent on one place and there is many possibilities to get Internet access, but from viewpoint of information security awareness it is really unsafe and even dangerous. So, here are some useful tips, which do your public Internet access safer and also help protect your privacy.

Protect yourself in Internet cafés.

*Choose well known and reputable Internet café, that regulary erase the disk you were using and reinstall the operating system.

*Use a web-based spyware detection program to scan for spyware before using an untrusted public computer.

*Protect password - when you finish using Internet clear all forms and passwords on the tools menu. And also always log out of Web sites by clicking "log out" on the site. It's not enough to simply close the browser window or type in another address, because some browsers automatically save your login information.

*Be careful who is watching over your shoulder, because there are many peoples called social engineers who's main activity is watching over peoples shoulders and get there passwords and PIN codes.

*Conceal your activities - after Internet using also clear all cookies and history.

*Consider changing passwords, if you have any suspicions about hacking attempt.

*Avoid financial transactions that might reveal valuable passwords or personal information like credit card numbers.

*Don't leave the computer unattended - when you go somewhere away from your public computer always log out of all programs and close all windows.

*Take care of your personal things. Your concentration to computer monitor can use thieves, whose simple want to take your purse or cell phone.

These simple rules give us chances use all advantage of public Internet and decrease the risk to become a victim of hackers!

Article source: http://www.infosecuritylab.com

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