Improving Public Terminal Security...using internet cafes abroad

Will try to read that. At the moment, I don't see how a flash drive would improve security at all. Just read the article. Good article but probably well beyond most peoples interests and abilities. The flash drive itself does not improve security. It is the programs stored on the flash drive. A lot of effort required to improve security/

I routinely use my credit union's home banking service, and my CC company's web site from public terminals. The question I always ask myself is not "what are the chances someone may steal my password" but rather "what's the worst that could happen if someone did?" For example if someone did get my password the worst thing they could do to me is transfer money between my checking and savings accounts, annoying but nothing to loose sleep over. With my CC company's site the only thing one can do with it is view my activity and pay my bills (it doesn't even show my complete cc number). Just use common sense, and don't be overly paranoid.

Michael,
Your accounts may be special but for most people someone having access to thier banking data is a disaster. Money can be transferred out, bogus bills can be paid, and identity theft is possible.
Using public computers for banking is risky.

A somewhat related question: is the security any better if you use your own laptop on a wifi connection?

Nothing is completely full proof. In theory it's possible to intercept wifi signals, but on the other hand you don't have to worry about key logging viruses if your laptop has anti-virus software installed on it.

Henry, that is exactly why I said one should ask themselves: "what's the worst that could happen if someone did [steal your password]?" If your financial institution's website allows you to transfer money to third parties or has a bill paying service, then one should use caution. But in my situation (which I believe is fairly common) it is a reasonable risk.

Kent, I had some experience using a flash drive in Europe. I have one that came preloaded with Skype and Firefox. I also took my laptop, with all personal ID, files etc. removed. When ever I used my laptop, I inserted the flash drive, which I kept in my money belt. I was then able to do my emailing, checking on banks/investments/ how many dollars were flying out of my checking when I pulled euros from an ATM, etc. With no personal information on the laptop, I felt that should my laptop disappear, at least I need not worry about the loss of personal information. Whether I was really safer or not, at least I had the feeling that I was.

I also used the flash drive in an internet cafe once when we were in rural Germany and I didn't have an internet connection at the Zimmer where we were staying. I don't know if this would work in all IC's as you do need access to a USB port, and I have heard that many times the ports are blocked.