Using Internet Cafes?

Fraserca

I wouldn't miss out using Internet Cafes and the Local Library just because of what is said on here. If people take basic precautions there is very little risk.

Key logging is not the danger it seemed a couple of years ago. Most banks use drop down menus for passwords and only selected digits for passnumbers - never the whole number.

There are dangers on the net - most people in the UK have spyware on their computer. Nearly all have had virus infections. At least in an Internet Cafe the machines are properly maintained, updated and probably less of a risk than the home users own machine which has probably no spyware protection and out of date anti virus software.

Thousands of people a day use these facilities. For many it is their only way to access the 'net. It empowers them. Many business people use the facilities too, for e-mail, vpn, video conferencing and voip telephony.

To dismiss the use of Internet cafes and Libraries as a security risk is like saying don't go out the house in case you get run over or mugged - or saying don't use cash machines because of card skimming.

There has to be a risk / benefit consideration and I would say that the risk of using an internet cafe to order something online was tiny.

albertross_2

The OP's question was would my credit card details be safe. My response was based on the fact that they would have no idea what security measures are in place, no control over anti-spyware or antivirus updates, and no control over what happened to the PC before and after their session. The previous user could have just infected it with an unknown keylogger, or pointed the host file to a phishing site, you just don't know. So, there is a risk, however small, that the details wouldn't be safe.

For general internet browsing, I wouldn't have a problem using these facilities, if the need arose. I would however be reluctant to use it for any form of banking, or purchasing.

In the end, you are protected financially by the banks and credit card companies, so your only loss would be the time and hassle involved in sorting out the mess.

Note the use of the word "potentially" in my original post. The post is factually correct, and not "Complete rubbish". It wasn't intended as an attack on these facilities, just an answer to the OP's question..

Fraserca

My advice - stay cool - don't panic and get on with life.

Oh and use internet cafes - much better that sitting at home with monthly bills for the internet. Plus an expensive piece of high tech equipment that you only use a fraction of the time which dominates a room at home.

Better to pay a couple of pounds a week to a local enterprise where you can get advice and actual help ( not over the phone at 50p a minute), where the risk of getting scammed is small and you have a life beyond posting messages to daft bulletin boards at 3am ( like me ! )

Lol

Life goes on in spite of us ...

Fraserca

More panic and alarm !! I think the sky is falling....


By this account we should never put out cards in the supermarket machine and key our pin number in - it may be keylogged and Tesco are adding 1 p to everyones bill and so making a fortune!! ( more likely the guy behind will note the number and mug you in the car cark for the card )
You can never give your credit card number out over the phone ( They may leave it in the office for the tea boy to send for new sunglasses ( as happened to me 3 years ago. )
You should never put your card in a Pay and Go petrol pump - they are well known to skim your card.

etc .....................

These things are all minor risks we take every day. Fortunately also have the backup of the banks where they will reimburse you if you get ripped off. ( not perfect but at least a safety net. )

Decent banks use a drop down log in system with only key elements of passwords and codes being transmitted over encrypted connections.

I'm afraid I do get upset by people spreading this kind of alarm - Its not just happening just with this topic - its all over the place.
Clever people with vested interests release selective information and use it to persuade otherwise sensible people to support their commercial interests.

As I said - basically if you use Internet Cafes for general use, occasional banking, ordering and email you are perfectly safe. If you are running a multimillion pound business or the FBI then use a more secure method.

Common sense aproaches such as changing passwords regularly. using only secure connections and only using reputable ( and busy ) cafes will keep you safe.


A final point - when you have seen literally thousands of satisfied customers ( so far as security is concerned - not all liked the coffee or the occasional down times !! ) -
you take a view that the people who make criticism and judgement from their armchairs and have never even been in a cafe or library should at least make some leg work research...

LULUBELLE_2

I've used internet cafes all over the U.S. and Oz for many years without issues - I'm no naive little fluffy, but a security consultant. I've accessed my bank accounts from them and I've used my CCs as well - I do agree with Fraserca that there is a bigger risk when you key in your PIN number at ATMs and the supermarket and run the risk of shoulder surfing. Everything in life carries a risk - you need to take all reasonable precautions without becoming paranoid.

intel

Oooh I never saw this post but Im glad I did....

Connection might be secure but what about the cafe owner he/she
could clone the Visa card very easily with all the details of yer card entered

martindow

Personally I don't see a great risk. I think this identity theft business is extremely exaggerated. You are giving no more information away on a computer than if you use your card anywhere in the normal way. The credit card machine prints out the main details on the trader's copy. The person taking the card can easily remember the name and security number if they are so inclined.

If someone does get to use your card details fraudulently, you can get chargebacks from the CC company. The people who will lose out are businesses that have supplied goods with stolen card info. These days traders have the facilty to check delivery addresses against card details so they should be OK as well if they take reasonable care.

intel

We all lose out when the APR goes up Because of theft.

black-saturn

Just a word of warning. I used an internet cafe in Walthamstow high street once when I was visiting someone who wasnt on the net to check my ebay. Then even though I logged out of my account and made sure I didnt set it to remember my password my account got taken over about 2 weeks later. Ebay tracked it to that internet cafe.

dc

intel wrote:

Oooh I never saw this post but Im glad I did....

Connection might be secure but what about the cafe owner he/she
could clone the Visa card very easily with all the details of yer card entered

Sorry I have to agree with Fraserca and Lulubelle.
NOTHING is absolutely secure, life is a gamble and you are in control only of certain aspects. So do you spend your life in bed to be absolutely safe?

Every time you use a credit/ debit card you are at risk, no matter where. There are safeguards set by banks, purely so that you don't ditch them if something happens to dent your confidence in the system. It is all a matter of trust.


I wonder if Intel or albertross would buy petrol in the States, or just run out of gas and become stranded. You have to pay before you fill up, and carrying cash is even more dangerous there.

Internet Cafes scams would become instant headlines in this sensationalist Media run country. AND Surely Libraries are a safer bet if you want to reduce any perceived risks. Wrap the protection of the banks around you.;)

How many of you cross the road to avoid passing a few young lads in hoodies? 99% fear brought on by headlines. You stand more chance of being murdered by a relative of friend.

AND more importantly, how many of you have been the victim of identity theft or fraud? Very Few I guess.

Live a little.;)

dc