Using a library computer for online banking ?

unforeseen

Some people (possibly a lot) only have Internet access via library systems so have no options.

masonic

Deleted_User wrote: »

I bet there are more people accessing banking and other sensitive stuff on their own devices using free/public wifi in cafes and pubs etc. Something I wouldn't recommend more than not using a library computer.

I'd be of the opposite opinion. Internet traffic between your app and the bank will be encrypted and users can rely on that. Vulnerable devices can be compromised over wifi, but that's a pretty sophisticated attack and a risk if you ever connect to public wifi for any purpose.

DrSyn

I personally would only use my own computer to do internet banking.

I have yet to see or read any security reports that suggest it is safe to use a library computer for such things.

I am of the opinion that if you lose money doing your banking using a library computer, banks will do their upmost to avoid giving you the money back.

I have seen people not logging off after using a library computer and just walking off and not returning.

unforeseen

DrSyn wrote: »

I personally would only use my own computer to do internet banking.

I have yet to see or read any security reports that suggest it is safe to use a library computer for such things.

I am of the opinion that if you lose money doing your banking using a library computer, banks will do their upmost to avoid giving you the money back.

I have seen people not logging off after using a library computer and just walking off and not returning.

But have you seen any security reports that suggest it isn't safe to use library computers? I haven't

They are not like an Internet cafe. They are part of a corporate network with probably more stringent security than an Internet cafe because of all the other confidential data they have to deal with.

18cc

There is no problem sitting in starbucks with your laptop, connecting to their free wifi and doing your banking - it's all encrypted https anyway.

That is of course, that you have indeed connected to the real starbucks wifi and not the chap sitting next to you with his hotspot called freestarbucks waiting for people to connect to him in which case all bets are off...

DrSyn

unforeseen wrote: »

But have you seen any security reports that suggest it isn't safe to use library computers? I haven't

Within the last 10 years, I seem to remember reading a report, that a physical key logger was found attached to the back of a library computer in the USA.

unforeseen

DrSyn wrote: »

I have seen people not logging off after using a library computer and just walking off and not returning.

Probably because the session timed out. Kb & mouse get disabled. You only get a certain amount of time per session and the system that I installed the screen would stay the same for about 30 secs after expiry before the session fully terminates to give you a little time to scribble down info from the screen.

Within the session you only get access to certain apps. Normally Word & IE.

DrSyn

unforeseen wrote: »

Probably because the session timed out. Kb & mouse get disabled. You only get a certain amount of time per session and the system that I installed the screen would stay the same for about 30 secs after expiry before the session fully terminates to give you a little time to scribble down info from the screen.

Within the session you only get access to certain apps. Normally Word & IE.

I understand what you mean. No, there was plenty of time left on some of those who did not sign off. They ever could not be bothered, forgot to sign off or did not realise they should have signed off.

londoninvestor

DrSyn wrote: »

Within the last 10 years, I seem to remember reading a report, that a physical key logger was found attached to the back of a library computer in the USA.

And closer to home too:
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/02/15/hardware_keyloggers_manchester_libraries/

unforeseen

Shouldn't happen if the computer is locked down correctly.