How to Protect Yourself on Shared or Public Computers

Library, hotel, school and office computers are used by many people, and you can't know what's been installed on them. A shared family computer is safer but still has its own risks. A few habits keep your accounts safe.

On public computers: what to avoid

• Banking and other sensitive accounts. If you can, wait for your own device or use your phone's mobile data.
• Saving passwords when the browser offers. Always choose "Never".
• "Remember me" boxes on sign-in pages.
• Downloading files with personal information, which may stay on the computer.
• Plugging in your USB drive, which can pick up malware.

Use a private window or guest mode

Open an Incognito or private window, or Chrome's Guest mode. When you close it, your history, cookies and form entries are removed. It doesn't protect against keyloggers or monitoring software installed on the computer, so it's a cleanup tool, not full protection.

Sign out properly

1. Sign out of each account, rather than just closing the tab.
2. Close every browser window.
3. If you forget, sign out remotely: Google, Microsoft, Facebook and others let you see active sessions and end them from your account's security page.

Turn on two-step verification

If someone captures your password on a public computer, a code from your phone or a passkey still stops them signing in. See setting up two-step verification.

Watch for signs of tampering

• A small device between the keyboard cable and the computer, which could record keystrokes.
• Unusual software running, or browser toolbars you don't recognize.
• Warnings about certificates when you visit familiar sites.

Afterwards

If you signed in to an important account on a public computer, change the password from your own device and check for unfamiliar sign-ins. Most services list recent sign-ins with the device, browser and rough location, so anything you don't recognize stands out. If you used a password manager's website on a public computer, change its main password too.

On a shared family computer

• Give each person their own computer account and browser profile.
• Lock the screen when you walk away.
• Keep the system and browser updated.
• Be careful what you copy: passwords and codes sit on the clipboard where some pages can read them. Clipboard Guard blocks websites from reading your clipboard.

See spotting fake websites.