Is it risky to use the internet in public places such as libraries,even if i log off completely?

Answer 1

Risky in what way?

From the sound of your question, it appears that you're not even using your own PC. So I'm guessing you're not talking about getting infected with a virus or malware.

If you're referring to the ability of being traced, then the answer is that it depends. Most libraries are converting a bit these days to require that you log in with a known identity. That identity is then tracked in case law enforcement comes-a-lookin'. Hopefully that's not something you're worried about!

Maybe you're talking about another user stealing your info. This is always "possible" when someone has physical access to a PC, regardless of how much security is integrated on the network. However, it's not likely. Most public PC's, if setup correctly, wipe your profile when you log off. Therefore unless someone manages to use a disk recovery utility successfully, any data that was once on the hard drive that can identify you should be safe. Logins and passwords are usually encrypted and never stored on the hard drive to begin with, as long as the site you're going to uses SSL (look for https in the address when you're typing your username or password). So that also shouldn't be much of a concern.

Bottom line: I wouldn't risk logging into online banking/credit card sites using a public connection (especially over wireless). You never know who's listening.


As you can see, that was a pretty vague question...
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Answer 2

Here's the issue, internet is like a public market wherein different people uses it. For example, me using in a netCafe I logged in my y!mail account then sign it off, the tendency of which is that there might be key loggers. No one owns the internet...

The internet somehow made people lazy!! Really lazy! People before uses library to study, research and for pleasure . But now, library is an old quiet junk yard. Here in the Philippines we call the students today as COPY AND PASTE GENERATION. They make assignments and copies and paste it! Darn!!! That's why students have low quality of learning. One day, people will all depend on internet.

Answer 3

ive seen some nieve answers on hear.......

YES if your talking security..... delieteing cookies, temperary files and history, is fine on your home computer to stop your partner seeing what youve been doing, but Public internet places have back up hard drives and no matter what you do, it'll be kept.........but just show that you delieted the things from the computer also......

also for imediate use, if i wanted peoples details (and i dont), i'd book two 30 min sessions in a library, one at 9am, and one at 4.30, these will be on the same computer because i booked....

i have a key logger software on a memory stick, at 9am, i'll put it on the computer in the library, then at 4.30, i'll go on, open it up again, copy everything onto my memory stick, then spend the rest of the 20 mins i have left, taking the traces of the softwear off the computer...... when i get home, i have everyones pass words, account No's personal mails they've wrote, and accsess to all their internet acounts that have been used on that comp for the day......... untill they change their pass words..........

be VERY Carefull on public internets

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looking at some other answers, yes.... pubic internets DO have some good security software, sometimes the best... and are quite hard to get into from outside.... what ive explained to you isnt effected by good fire walls, and anti-hacking etc etc.... it simply copies everything you type on the key board.... VERY simple for anyone... and not lots that can be done to stop it at the mo

Answer 4

No different than using at home as long as you log out completely. Besides they have own security packages running on their servers. Just dont do stuff like putting password in notepad and what not on their machines and make sure that u save to floppy any documents you type.

Answer 5

hello,

Use of the internet in public places like liberaries is in my experience MORE Safe!! why? because public liberaries have to be seen to have secure systems, & so take extra care in the way they work. And the ones I've personally used in Liverpool were excepetionally well setup and configured for security. I think your fears are unfounded.

IR

Answer 6

Not necessarily. After logging out, log back in and use the tools option to delete cookies and erase the history. This makes it practically impossible for anyone to go back and access your information.

Answer 7

It's ALWAYS risky to use the internet, no matter where you use it, even from your own home. Life is risky like that - get used to it!

Rawlyn.

Answer 8

Always log in securely, and avoid using your banking details.

Answer 9

I'd add to check that autocomplete is turned off.

Answer 10

Yes it can be, if you are talking in terms of your mailbox security.