8 Smart Technologies To Keep Your Computer Safe In Public Places

Over the past few years, the relationship between consumers and laptops has affectionately grown with rapid popularity.  

Today, the idea of conveniently jumping on a computer to check email or play a video game when sitting in a coffee shop, or better yet – when vacationing with your in-laws, has become commonplace and no longer just for the “cool” and “hip” computer savvy techies.

However, when using your computer in public places, you are putting yourself and your computer in a position of increased vulnerability to outside threats. Unlike the atmosphere in an office or home based business where it is easier to control the level of security – in public it is harder to monitor the environment.  However, it is possible to take advantage of various technologies to keep your computer safe when out and about in public venues or locations.

8 Ways to Protect Your Privacy

This article will address the following 8 methods which can be used to protect your privacy.  Any time you plan to use your computer in a public place, you should consider using a combination of the following:

• Privacy shields
• Encryption software
• Firewall
• Tracking Software
• Turn off file sharing
• Flash drive keys
• Online backup
• Clear Internet usage traces

The more methods you use, the more secure you will be in public places. Even if you use free Wi-Fi networks, you never know for sure what security measures, if any, are in place.

Privacy Shields

To keep your computer screen safe from prying eyes, use a privacy shield. A privacy shield is a physical shield placed over the monitor which prevents anyone from seeing the screen clearly unless they are directly in front of the screen. With your body blocking the direct path, other people cannot see what you are doing.

Encryption Software

If you are sending information from your computer while at a public location, consider using encryption software. You can choose to encrypt your entire computer, which prevents other users from connecting to your computer and viewing your information or just specific files. Encryption software is available in varying degrees, depending on your needs.

Firewall

Hackers may be trying to sneak in while you’re using your computer in public. Either through a BlueTooth or wireless connection, they may try to view your personal files. A firewall helps to prevent hackers from gaining access by blocking outside connections that aren’t approved by you.  Make sure to enable your firewall on your computer.   For computers which use Windows, there should already be a Windows Firewall built in.  However, you can also purchase firewall software from various software companies – many of which sell anti-virus software programs.

Tracking Software

In the event your computer is stolen, tracking software will help you locate it.  Think of it as a LoJack for computers.  In fact, the company that makes LoJack for autombiles also makes a version for computers.

Some types of tracking software will even allow you to erase your hard drive remotely or after a certain number of incorrect username and password combinations. Either way, your data is kept safe and the chances of recovering your computer are greatly increased.

File Sharing

When using your computer in public places, the file sharing feature should always be turned off. Some computers turn on file sharing automatically when you connect to a wireless network. Connecting to the Internet in a public place may mean opening your computer to others who can then access some or all of the files. Turn off file sharing anytime you’re in public to protect yourself.

Flash Drive Keys

To prevent anyone from logging on to or using your computer while your back is turned, consider using a flash drive key. A flash drive key must be inserted in order for your login to work. Without both – the login and flash drive key – no one cannot access your desktop and files. Once the key is removed, you are automatically logged out. The key works by simply plugging in a USB flash drive into the USB slot on your computer.

Online Backup

The concept of backing up data online to an offsite location has grown exponentially as the demand for data storage has soared over the past 5 to 10 years.   Backing up your data to an online data center is important because it protects your documents and personal information when and if something should happen to your computer.   Whether it gets stolen or the hard drive fails, you can rest assured that all is not lost.

When you sign up online for any of the many backup services, you are usually given the option to set a schedule for when the backup takes place.  For example, you can choose daily backups, weekly or even monthly scheduled times for the data to be backed up and then transferred online.

Some companies offer unlimited backup capacity while others offer limited amounts.  Consider what you need to backup in order so in the unfortunate case something happens to your computer, you can quickly restore your missing data and get back to work…. or play!

Clear Internet Usage Traces

By default, most browsers store user names, history, cookies and temporary files for every session. In some cases, passwords are even stored. To prevent this, take advantage of the custom settings available on almost every browser to delete these files when the browser window is closed. Some browsers even allow you to open a private session where no data is ever stored. The less information being stored, the less there is available to random strangers from tapping into these hidden golden nuggets of information.

About the Author: This post was contributed by EtherSpeak, a company specializing in internet phone service for business.  EtherSpeak offers SIP Trunking for Microsoft Lync and is one of the few providers which offer SIP Encryption.

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