We have addressed the dangers of using smartphones over unsecured public Wi-Fi, but we have yet to touch on the subject of using computers that are
offered to the public for temporary use. While the majority of Americans now
have some form of portable wireless device capable of accessing the Internet,
there are still cases here and abroad where internet cafés, coffee shops,
bookstores and even university libraries either offer or require the use of a
publically available computers for Internet use. A post by Randy Abrams in ESET Threat Blog shows why these hospitalities should be approached with caution.
Abrams recently visited a sports bar in Cyprus where an
outdoor advertisement claimed free Wi-Fi with a provided laptop was available
to patrons. Upon further investigation, Abrams found that this public computer
had no firewall or antivirus, and automatic security updates had been disabled.
The computer also allowed the user full administrative access, meaning that a
potential identity thief could theoretically program whatever malicious
software he or she wished onto the device before being accessed by the next
unfortunate customer.
Consumers and businesses persons alike should be sure to avoid
entering any administrative or login information into any personal, corporate
or financial account when using a publically available device.