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shoulder surfing

By Katie Terrell Hanna

What is shoulder surfing?

Shoulder surfing is using direct observation techniques, such as looking over someone's shoulder, to get information.

Shoulder surfing is an effective way to get information in crowded places because it's relatively easy to stand next to someone and watch as they fill out a form, enter a pin at an ATM or pay for something using a credit card.

Shoulder surfing can also be done from a long distance with the aid of binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices.

Examples of shoulder surfing

There are several ways shoulder surfers can steal personal data.

One example of shoulder surfing is if an employee is talking about confidential business on their phone and a co-worker is sitting right next to them. That person would be able to see their screen and take notes.

The shoulder surfer wouldn't be able to do this if the other individual was standing in front of them or sitting behind them, but because the person is sitting down, it's possible for the co-worker to see what they're doing on their phone.

Here are a few other examples:

How to prevent shoulder surfing

To prevent shoulder surfing, experts recommend that people shield paperwork or their keypad from view by using their body or cupping their hand.

Here are a few other helpful tips to avoid being victimized by shoulder surfing:

29 Oct 2021

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