Computer Times - Technology

Beware! Viruses can infect your files when you use a public computer in a cyber-cafe. But you can protect yourself, says CHUA HIAN HOU.

Public computers at places like cyber- cafes and libraries are a convenient way to read e-mail or buy goods online when you are away from home.

But beware. Unscrupulous cafe owners may have installed programs that can capture your personal information. Or, the previous user may have unwittingly downloaded a malicious spying program (or spyware) that tracks your every keystroke.

If you use public Internet terminals frequently, it is a good idea to always check the system first to see if it has been tampered with. In fact, toting a small DIY portable security software kit to scan the public terminals you use is a smart move. (See box story on how you can put together this kit).

While not foolproof, making manual checks on the terminal will help minimise the chance of your personal data falling into the wrong hands.

Here's how you can make use of a public computer safely.

Check before using: Check if the computer you are using is protected by an anti-virus software, and whether it has been up-dated recently. Public terminals are highly vul-nerable to viruses and worms. Using bug-ridden PCs may easily infect your files.

Security vendors like Symantec (www.symantec) and Trend Micro (www.trendmicro) offer free online virus scans. If you do not mind the wait and the added expense, run the scan before using a PC in a public place.

Suspicious programs may be found on the Taskbar which is located at the bottom right hand corner of the Windows desktop. The Taskbar lists all the programs running. You can find out the name of the software by placing the mouse over the icons. Or click on any suspicious icons to open them and find out what they do. To close them, right-click the icon and quit the program.

Hitting Control+Alt+Delete simultaneously for Microsoft Windows 98, ME and XP operating systems will bring up the list of programs running on the machine - another way to check if any suspicious software is working in the background. This is not foolproof though: Ultra-stealthy programs may not show up.

Keep transactions safe: If you are logging into an insecure website like Hotmail or if you are doing e-banking, check that there is a 'lock' icon at the bottom right hand of the Internet browser screen before you begin. The lock indicates that the transaction data is being encrypted and cannot be snooped upon.

Log out after every visit: Remember to log out after visiting every website before moving onto the next one. This is because the computer may have been set to 'remember passwords'. If you don't, the next guy who uses the computer after you will have access to your information.

Clean up your surfing history: Go to Tools, then Internet Options and then click the Delete Files and the Clear History icon. This will wipe out your digital surfing trail. Finally, close the application and turn off the computer to clear out the memory.

DIY SECURITY SCANNING KIT

If you use public PC terminals regularly, consider having a portable storage device with security software on hand to help you scan the computer for bugs. Popular devices like Flash memory USB drives are affordable, have a good storage capacity and are plug-and-play with most PCs today.

Load your security software onto this drive, and spend a minute to install this software onto the public terminal if you are allowed to. Get it to scan for viruses.

Useful software to bring with you:

P.I. Protector Mobility Suite, US$30 (S$53): It can be loaded onto portable storage devices like Flash memory USB drives. It secures the computer you use to surf and cleans up after you. Check this out online at store.yahoo.com/winboot/piprotector.html

Anti-keylogger: Protect yourself from nasty key-logging software that captures your keystrokes with this free aid. Located at www.anti-keylogger.net