Protect your personal information
Remember that your personal security is important. You may have left your computer at home and are getting a drink at a coffee shop and find a computer available for you to just check your e-mails. You check what you want to see and think you are resetting the computer but you did not sign out of the web-based e-mails so the next person could delete everything or send out malicious e-mails to the people in your address book. The number of times I try to use Gmail at a coffee shop and find someone else is still logged in is very high. The same with any web site you access that needs you to log on, you will need to log out completely before leaving the machine to someone else.
Protect all your online accounts with a password that is not just “password” or the name of your dog, cat, partner, or child. These can be too easy to guess especially for someone who knows you.
Bank details are important. It does not matter if it is your current account, credit card or PayPal account, all is important. Protecting them is vital to your financial well-being. Be careful where and when you use your credit or debit card.
Be very careful when using Internet cafes and free Internet computers in coffee shops and bars. Make sure that it is a reputable company you use. If there are any doubts in your mind do not use any web site that needs a password and do not enter bank or credit card information. Using the wrong Internet cafe could mean that the owner of the business can trace and use your secure information. So remember where you used the Internet or make a note and if there are any subsequent problems trace back where it all started.
