[Web4lib] Public computers & security of personal info

[Scritchfield, Larry]

I have concerns about physical keystroke loggers in a public environment.
There was a documented case where a Kinko's in New York was used to harvest
people's bank account logins.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/07/19/guilty_plea_in_kinkos_keystroke/

I tell my colleagues to watch for people messing around behind the
computers, but there's only so much you can do. At home you have more
control over the physical security, one would hope.

Larry Scritchfield                       lscritch at mail.co.washoe.nv.us
Internet Services Librarian                             (775) 327-8349
Washoe County Library System                      www.washoe.lib.nv.us

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of John Fereira
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2005 12:24 PM
To: Karen Coyle; Alan Stewart
Cc: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Public computers & security of personal info


At 03:00 PM 10/27/2005, Karen Coyle wrote:
>I don't see a difference in security between someone using a library 
>computer and that same someone using a home computer.

Many many not but a lawyer might.  On my home computer (and hopefully a 
patrons home computer) I essentially have control over what security 
precautions I take.  I can install anti-virus software,  Spam 
Blockers,  and Spyware detection software and keep it up to date. If I used 
my credit card to conduct business over the web on my home computer and I'm 
careful where I shop I feel somewhat safe. If my identity is compromised I 
really have no one to blame but myself. If however, I conduct the same 
business on a public access computer and some sort of trojan or spyware 
program is running on it which ultimately result in identity theft a lawyer 
might see the potential for a lawsuit.  Not that I agree with this but it 
could happen.  Personally, I'd prefer beefing up the laws against those 
that create and propogate virsus, trojan horses, spyware, etc. and provide 
greater resources for thost that attempt to enforce the laws.


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