Internet Banking

shaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b)

14 years ago

I'm heading off to South East Asia and India shortly, for an extended period.

I imagine that I'll have to use internet cafes for connection.

It's worrying me about the security of these computers, especially with any financial transactions.

Are there any safeguards I can take? No point in changing my passwords regularly if I'm being key-logged...

Regards,

Shax

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Comments (11)

exgm
14 years ago
A bootable cd of say, Puppy Linux will pretty much ensure that your o/s is free of malware, assuming that you are allowed to boot from such media.

securecomputing.net.au/News/157767,nsw-police-dont-use-windows-for-internet-banking.aspx
DA_Mccoy
14 years ago
I'm not real comfortable with a wireless connection in that region. Perhaps an in-country financial institution will allow you access through their system.

For a recommendation you might contact the American embassy in the country in question.

DA
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exgm
14 years ago
Wireless anywhere warrants scrutiny.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
14 years ago
I would be very worried Shax, I agree in trying a financial institution, I would not be comfortable at all at internet cafe or that type of place. Definitely do some research for the area you will be going to for safe locations.
Having your personal info on a usb flash drive can be helpful.
How do I stay safe in an internet cafe?

using on screen keyboard rather than a real keyboard to stay safe from keyloggers there are some programs for this.
How To Keep Your Online Accounts Safe At Internet Cafes
this link has some great ideas and mentions the keyboard.

putting your apps on the usb flash drive and password protecting it is something I would definitely do, you can get pretty much everything now in portable form like firefox and thunderbird, even antivirus programs to be able to scan a machine.

Get online as safely as possible while traveling

portable apps

another option would be to have linux on a bootable usb drive.
Boot and run Linux from a USB flash memory stick
or carry a linux live cd you can boot from and use it on the computer rather than the windows.
shaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b)
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, RC and others for the info and advice.
Got me running scared (probably a good thing!)

Have decided not to use computers OS for any banking at all...will stick to ATMs and hope they're not skimmed.
As for bill paying and such, I'm setting up automatic transfers from my accounts here with my main billers.

Don't suppose I can get into TOO much trouble if I'm just checking my emails on foreign 'puters...

Regards,
Shax
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
14 years ago
I think that is very good Shax I sure would hate to see you get hit by some of those scammers that just live to do that to travelers.

create a new throw away email and have everyone use that one while you travel then do away with it.
shaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b)
Original Author
14 years ago
Ten Four, Big Buddy!

Here is a link that might be useful: I'm Sure You Know, But....
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
14 years ago
back in the day I did the cd radio thing so yep right back at ya Ten Four!

So when are your travels going to brang ya to Texas? LOL
zep516
14 years ago
Your other concern is having the thing stolen. Don't some laptops have a security thing so you can track it if it's stolen? Anyone.
maime
14 years ago
My first thought was I would not do that at all, but didn't want to say so.

LoJack will find your computer for you, but don't know if it works outside of the US. I didn't renew mine when it expired.
shaxhome (Frog Rock, Australia 9b)
Original Author
14 years ago
Zep...I'm not planning on carrying a computer with me. Don't have a laptop, and this desktop HP would be difficult to lump around in my backpack!

R-C...Texas? I've heard that's even bigger than Hawaii! :>D

Internet Banking

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