Anonymity How to keep your privacy using a shared computer - 6 tips

[Lucky]

If you are ever going to use a shared computer, such as a library, you need to follow these tips to keep your data safe.

You can choose between a laptop, smartphone, and other devices that you have at your fingertips to access the Internet. But sometimes you'll need to use a device or PC that doesn't belong to you. This may happen at a friend's house, at the city library, or at your workplace, where your superiors require you to use computers located directly in the office.

When you access the Internet from someone else's computer, you need to take extra care to protect your personal information. So, the next time you need to use a shared computer, make sure that you follow the 6 tips below to protect yourself and your data.

1. Don't forget to log out of your personal account on various websites​

Many websites have a convenient option that allows you to stay logged in even after you close your browser. While this makes life easier when surfing the Internet, storing personal information in any browser is potentially dangerous. Of course, you should never allow sites to remember your personal data if you are using a shared computer.

5. Consider downloading an alternative OS​

Since most computers run on Windows, it is likely that a shared computer will not be an exception. It is worth saying that the Windows system is really the most popular among users. Thus, it is naturally the most vulnerable to malware. You may need to run an alternative OS when using a shared computer.

Fortunately, on any PC, you can easily boot into another operating system (for example, Linux). If you get access to the BIOS, then you can add your own Linux OS using a USB drive.

Using a personal OS on a USB stick means that you will be protected from any malware that may be running on Windows. However, there is no guarantee that the public Internet connection itself is secure. In General, using Linux on a USB stick is a safer option, but it won't protect you from all threats.

6. Be attentive to who and what is around you​

The above tips related to working on the PC itself are really very effective, but do not forget about your environment. If you are using a shared computer, it is likely that other people will walk around you. Make sure that you do not move away from the workplace or leave it unattended. You should also pay attention to those people who can see your confidential data over their shoulder.

Make sure 100% that you know what information is contained in a particular file, on site pages, or in your personal correspondence. And only after you think twice – open it on the desktop.

Use shared computers wisely​

Using the recommendations above, you can safely (as far as possible) use a shared computer. However, remember that there is really no way to know for sure if a particular PC is secure. It may not pose a threat or, on the contrary, it may be full of spyware and a Keylogger that is active by default and tracks your every move.

In addition to the computer itself, think about how safe it is to use the public Wi-Fi that you are connecting to.