ESL Blogs

A cyber cafe is a place which provides a computer user with internet access,
 usually for a payment per hour or minute.  
When accessing the Internet via public computers there are certain threats from which a user 
should be protected, such as: 
 - Not knowing what programs are installed on computers  

For example if malicious programs like keyloggers or spyware are installed, they can capture your 
keystrokes to figure out passwords (when you type your password to read web mails, logon to a site 
etc.) and other confidential information or monitor your browsing behavior.  No matter which Internet 
browser you use, make sure to download the latest patches as soon as possible. These patches are the
 developers' response to the newest viral threats.  - Physical security in the area  Be aware of your 
surroundings. Keep an eye out for anyone who might be observing your computer screen and/or keyboard. For example, if the counters/partitions which are used to separate one computer from another are short, the people can peep & see what you are doing & even capture your entries on the keyboard & the information you are entering. 
 Here are some important tips which you can consider when you are using a computer in public areas like cyber cafes:   
  - Disable automatic login:   Do not allow your login details such as your user name & password to be retained on public computers.     If the check mark is selected make sure to uncheck by clicking on the square which allows login  
details to be kept on the local computer as shown in the above picture. 
 -  Secure Browsing:  
Also, be aware of misleading links and fraudulent sites. If you are ever unsure, move your mouse pointer over a link before clicking. The real address of where the link will take you will appear.   If the real address does not match up or is a strange string of numbers, do not click. Do not open emails from unfamiliar senders, especially if they have URGENT, IMPORTANT, or WINNER in the subject line.  Make your passwords random, lengthy, and difficult. Never use your name, your nickname, your mother's maiden name, your pet's name, your social security number, or your address. Though it may be hard to remember, a string of random numbers, capitals, lowercase letters, and symbols is safest. Use entirely different passwords for each of your different logins. Only write down a password if you must; never store it with your computer. Change your passwords at least every three months, or at the first sign of hacking.  Check the URL in which you are going to enter your login credentials.
 If it is an HTTPS connection then it is secure and encrypted. That means if you're using a https connection outsiders cannot see any of the data you send to or receive from that site because it is encrypted. If you can't connect via https, or the "s" disappears at some point in your browser while transmitting your confidential information, then stop accessing the site immediately.    
 - Don't leave the computer with your data: 

  If you want to attend to any other work while you are logged to the computer, ensure to log off before leaving the place.   Do not leave your personal belongings such as USB flash drives, laptops, etc unattended. Always make sure to password-protect your belongings if you are going to use them in public places like cyber cafes. 
 Soft copies of documents and scanned copies must be removed from the computer before you leave the place.     - Log out:  After you finish browsing always keep in mind to log out of any sites that you logged into, such as your web mail account, and do not simply close the window. You may notice a "Sign Out" option is available on top of the web mail window, so use that option & logout from it.  When you are finished browsing, log out of any sites you logged into.     This will prevent unauthorized access of your data by others, especially if another person is also going to use the same service after you. If you haven't logged out, when that person opens the link it will automatically direct to your logged site. This is common for chat sites, Internet Messenger windows & any other sites. So keep in mind to Log out or Sign out from these particular sites.     - Clear history and temporary files before you    leave:   Internet Explorer saves links that you've visited in the History folder and in Temporary Internet Files. Your passwords may also be stored in the browser if that option has been enabled on the computer that you've used. Use the following steps to clear the browser history:  Internet Explorer  Select Tools > Internet Options > Click on General Tab > Delete... button, now the "Delete Browsing History" dialog box will open. Select the options you want to delete and click on Delete button to apply the settings.  Firefox   Select Tools > Options > Click on Privacy tab and select the options you want to delete. Click on OK button to apply the settings.  
Chrome  Select Options> Under the Hood >
 then select Clear Browsing Data  Double-check the browser's history, cookies, and cache. Delete anything you find there. Close all tabs and windows. Quit the browser.      - Don't do any online financial transactions   using public computer :  It is advisable to avoid online banking or shopping where you may be required to enter sensitive information like credit card or bank account details. If it is urgent and you have to do it, make sure to change your passwords as soon as you can. You should use a more trusted computer for these types of activities.