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Why is shoulder surfing a threat?
Shoulder surfing is a criminal practice where thieves steal your personal data by spying over your shoulder as you use a laptop, ATM, public kiosk or other electronic device in public. Despite the funny name, it’s a security risk that can cause a financial wipeout.
Is shoulder surfing common?
While it may seem harmless, shoulder surfing is more common than people think. That is why it is crucial to understand what shoulder surfing is, how shoulder surfers steal information, examples of shoulder surfing and more importantly, what steps can you take to prevent it.
What is shoulder surfing attack?
Shoulder surfing is the term used to describe one person observing another person’s computer or mobile device screen and keyboard to obtain sensitive information. Shoulder surfing can also be done by a curious or nosy bystander, in which case it is simply an intrusion on privacy.
Shoulder surfing is actually a form of social engineering. It basically means an unauthorized third party is able to view a screen and any confidential data displayed on an electronic device. You can also protect against shoulder surfing using a privacy screen for your computer.
What is tailgating and dumpster diving?
It literally involves getting into a dumpster and going through the trash, searching through garbage bags, looking in wastebaskets, and rummaging through other places where people may have disposed sensitive information. This method of breaching security remains popular because it is so effective.
Does shoulder have a lot of responsibility?
If you shoulder the responsibility or the blame for something, you accept it.
What are the two types of shoulder surfing?
Shoulder surfing is a type of social engineering that is aimed at obtaining personal information through interpersonal contact. There are two types of shoulder surfing. The first type of attack is when direct observation is used to obtain access to data.
How can I protect myself from shoulder surfing?
Users who are aware of this security risk will take it seriously and know they have to protect themselves against it. An effective method is to use privacy screen protectors on the device. 3M or other manufacturers, for example, offer such screen protectors.
Where is the best place to shoulder surf?
Termed ‘shoulder surfing’, this is particularly effective in crowded places with little privacy, where it is relatively easy to eavesdrop on someone as they enter passwords on their mobile phone or computer.
What happens if you get fined for shoulder surfing?
At minimum, shoulder surfers are annoying, but they can also lead to more serious repercussions, depending on the data they capture. For example, under new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) in the European Union, a company could be fined for exposing the personal data of E.U. citizens.