How should one secure personal information when using a public computer?

• A. Save passwords in the browser
• B. Log out of all online accounts and clear caches
• C. Use incognito mode only
• D. Turn off the computer when finished

Answer: (B)

Securing personal information when using a public computer involves several important best practices, and logging out of all online accounts and clearing caches is a key step in this process. When you log out of your accounts, you ensure that your credentials are not accessible to the next user who might sit down at the same computer. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and any sensitive information associated with them.

Additionally, clearing the browser cache helps remove any stored data, including cookies, history, and temporary files that might contain personal information. This further mitigates the risk of someone else retrieving data related to your online activities or login sessions. Both actions work together to enhance your privacy and security when using shared devices.

Other methods, such as saving passwords in the browser, might seem convenient but can expose your accounts to future users of the public computer. While incognito mode can provide a degree of privacy by not saving browser history, it does not replace the necessity of logging out and clearing caches. Simply turning off the computer might stop someone from accessing it immediately but does not address the potential risks during your session.