Bonn - Vacationers should only check their bank accounts at internet cafes in emergencies, warns the BSI German Federal Agency for Security in Information Technology.

Transferring funds or even simply checking an account balance gives hackers an opportunity to plunder accounts, says the agency.

"That's because you never know how much time and money the owners have invested into virus protection and firewalls at these internet cafes," says Katrin Alberts of the BSI.

She echoed a warning from G Data, a provider of Internet security. Alberts also advises caution in hotels. "In general, you should avoid entering sensitive data like passwords, access codes or credit card numbers." That means online shopping is best avoided in these locales.

If there's no away around conducting financial business in an internet cafe or hotel, a traveller should always print out a receipt and check their account for unexplained fluctuations once they get home.

G Data recommends erasing a computer's temporary internet files, cookies and history after using a public computer terminal, which can be done in Internet Explorer using the Extras, Internet Options, and General menus.

Additionally, make sure to log off from any secure websites after using a public computer. (dpa)