Slashdot Mirror
Security on Public Machines?
ThePopeLayton wonders: "I am currently a university student and unfortunately don't have my own computer yet. With all the key loggers and mal-ware out there, what can I do to keep my information secure. I probably log onto 20 different machines a week and changing my password, every two weeks, on all of my online accounts seems a little too much. What can I and other public computer users do to keep our personal information secret and safe?"
... and check that there aren't any funny adaptor-like things attached to the keyboard port. Is that *just* a PS/2 <--> USB adaptor? Or does it have extra functionality that you'd never know?
Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
It is a pretty popular response here to tell him to get his own computer. Keep in mind, getting a computer also means he needs space to keep the computer (and it has to be reasonably secure so it doesn't get ripped off), electricity to keep it going, and an interweb connection thingy so he can get at his pr0n^Wemail. The connection can get a little pricey, and it is an on-going expense. Now, maybe he is in a dorm room where the space, electricity and an ethernet drop is all included in his room fees. But then again, that might be part of the reason why he doesn't have a computer yet.
Since you can't really get privacy on a public computer, my suggestion is something that the average slashdotter would never think of recommending. Get a girlfriend with a computer. Make sure the computer has enough disk space for two.