Post by Elsuirad (a.k.a. UtilitiesMan) on Sept 23, 2006 4:34:10 GMT -5
Related entries: The Internet, Tech Tips/Quick Fix, Security, Open Mike
How many of you do sensitive financial transactions or access your bank account through online banking in an internet cafe? If you do, I suggest you reconsider this practice.
Keyboard loggers are able to capture your keystrokes, including your account number and PINs. There are even hardware loggers like KEYkatcher which is virtually undetctable by any software.
If you are not careful, some malicous internet cafe owner could capture all your confidential information.
If you are really paranoid, here are some tips on how to access the internet safely and securely in an Internet cafe:
Avoid accessing your bank account or using your bank’s online banking application in an internet cafe
Before leaving an internet cafe, clear out the internet cache, all cookies, and all temporary files
If possible, bring a USB flash drive with all your necessary applications. It is possible to run a portable Firefox from a USB drive, as such all your browsing history will be stored in the USB drive (it will not bypass the keyboard logger though). If you want more portable applications, check this Wikipedia article on portable applications for more.
Store all your passwords and PINs in a USB-based password manager like Keepass or Password Safe. This way all you have to do is copy and paste the password, bypassing the keystroke logger.
All your opinions are welcome, or any information(s) can be added to this are most welcome!
How many of you do sensitive financial transactions or access your bank account through online banking in an internet cafe? If you do, I suggest you reconsider this practice.
Keyboard loggers are able to capture your keystrokes, including your account number and PINs. There are even hardware loggers like KEYkatcher which is virtually undetctable by any software.
If you are not careful, some malicous internet cafe owner could capture all your confidential information.
If you are really paranoid, here are some tips on how to access the internet safely and securely in an Internet cafe:
Avoid accessing your bank account or using your bank’s online banking application in an internet cafe
Before leaving an internet cafe, clear out the internet cache, all cookies, and all temporary files
If possible, bring a USB flash drive with all your necessary applications. It is possible to run a portable Firefox from a USB drive, as such all your browsing history will be stored in the USB drive (it will not bypass the keyboard logger though). If you want more portable applications, check this Wikipedia article on portable applications for more.
Store all your passwords and PINs in a USB-based password manager like Keepass or Password Safe. This way all you have to do is copy and paste the password, bypassing the keystroke logger.
All your opinions are welcome, or any information(s) can be added to this are most welcome!