Internet Safety for Cyber Cafes

Logging into email and social network accounts on the go has become second nature to most people. With the portability of laptops and the comfortable surroundings of coffee shops and cafés, users do more and more online while on the go. By following a few essential safety tips, you can prevent hackers from getting access to your information.

Whether you are using your laptop or a public computer at a cyber café, you should always practice safe browsing. The online dangers increase over a public network, because anyone can access it and access any computer on that network.

General Computer Safety

Always be sure you are running updated virus protection software. This helps ensure that common intruders are caught quickly. For a free version, check out Microsoft Security Essentials, a great program for those on a budget. Another free program is Avast. You can upgrade to a larger program later. Your firewall should always be up and running when on a public network. This is another layer of protection to keep unwanted programs out.

Identity Theft

While it seems convenient to pay your bills and balance your bank account at the coffee shop or even shop online, this is dangerous. Sensitive financial information is being transmitted. This is how criminals get your information and then take over your identity. Identity theft is the number one reason most hackers want into your computer.

Key loggers

These are programs that are installed without your knowledge on your computer to track which keys you type. It helps hackers determine your passwords and other private information, such as your address or answers to those secret questions you set up.

Non-computer threats

That guy that has been hovering around behind you seemingly talking on his cellphone is possibly not truly on a call. He just might be looking at your computer screen to pull information about you. People become so concerned with the computer threat they forget about the everyday guy looking over their shoulder.