Dangers of internet cafes and shared computers

The convenience of a web-connected computer in a library, shop, internet cafe or at a friend's house can present you with some risks.

You have no idea how secure a computer is when you sit down to it for the first time. Does it have virus protection, anti-spyware software, a firewall, etc?

The risks of using insecure computers range from infecting your files to a scammer capturing your online banking password through software, or even hardware, installed on the computer.

Below are some guidelines for using computers that are not your own:

1. Ask questions of the PC's owner. When was the last time the computer was virus scanned? When was the anti-spyware software last updated? Who has permissions to install software on the computer?
   
   
2. Only access services you absolutely must access. You should assume that you are being watched. Don't access your online banking unless you have to, as your password could be captured by spyware and sent to someone malicious.
   
   
3. Logout once you've finished. Logout from Trade Me, or any other secure site, as soon as you're done and close the browser window. Make sure you leave the 'Remember me' box un-ticked when you login, too.
   
   
4. Change your password next time you login. If you have accessed your email, Trade Me, Internet banking, or anything else important, you should change your password next time you login after using an unsafe computer.