This is a question with a lot of maybe answers!! Let’s see if we can break it down so you can take the best actions possible.
Why? Think for a moment how much information about you a hacker would have if they accessed your email account. Bank info. Credit card processer for your business. Doctor info. Client information. Friends lists. Employee info. Employer info. Amazon account. Travel plans. Children’s schedules.
Public Computers
If you are using a public computer (library, hotel, etc.) ABSOLUTELY log out of every program, every time. Best option: Don’t use a public computer ever for highly sensitive work like your bank, your doctor’s portal, Amazon.)
Your Family Computer / Shared Office Computer
You have multiple people sharing a computer. Yes! Log out of every program every time. Don’t take the risk of someone getting access to your accounts. They may not intend to mess things up but they could accidentally cause you big problems.
Your Personal Computer/Tablet/Phone
Should the devise be stolen, the thief can open it up and use any app that is open. Yes, you have a password to open the devise. Do you think a good hacker can’t get past your password? Don’t place any money on that bet!
And since when did you plan to lose your device? No, it’s one of those nasty accidents of life.
A hacker can also access your Internet connection and waylay the session cookie to get into the app. Some session cookies are predictable so hackers can generate possible cookies! This is one of the common uses of malware on a computer. Even a friendly person using your wireless network can pick up on session cookies.
BEST Practice
Log out of every online software every time.
If you think logging in just takes tooooooo much time, use a Password Manager like Last Pass. It will autofill login information for you from a desktop, tablet or phone.
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that it can take approximately six months and 200 hours of work to recover from an identity theft. This estimation is based on the amount of work needed to follow the necessary steps to ensure the victim is not responsible for the debt incurred.
Don’t be a victim! Log out!