Cyber Security

Our reliance on cyberspace makes us highly vulnerable to cyberattacks. One of them is shoulder surfing, which may be rare. This attack intends to steal sensitive data, such as passwords or credit card numbers.

This article will explain the world of shoulder surfing, from its definition to how to protect against such attacks. 

What is shoulder surfing?

Shoulder surfing uses direct observation techniques, such as looking over someone’s shoulder on public transportation or in a busy coffee shop, to steal sensitive information that we have.

The effectiveness of shoulder surfing comes from its simplicity. Attackers can easily position themselves near unsuspecting victims and observe them entering their PIN at an ATM, filling out online forms, or even making mobile payments.

Although some attackers may use binoculars or hidden cameras, most rely solely on physical proximity and the victim’s lack of awareness. Additionally, shoulder surfing can be driven by malicious intent, aiming to steal personal information, or simply mischief, resulting in an invasion of privacy.

How a Shoulder Surfing Attack Works?

Imagine someone looking over your shoulder on the bus as you type your password. That’s shoulder surfing in a nutshell. The attacker watches you use your device, recording things like your PIN at an ATM, the info you enter on a website, or even your credit card details. They might jot it down quickly or use a hidden camera for a more high-tech approach.

But shoulder surfing isn’t the only way to steal your info. If someone installs a skimming device at an ATM to steal your card details or hacks into a website to see what you type, that’s not considered shoulder surfing. Those are different attacks because they don’t involve physically watching you use your device.

Examples of shoulder surfing

Shoulder surfing isn’t just about strangers on the bus. It can happen anywhere, even between colleagues! Imagine you’re at work, discussing sensitive business details on your phone. A co-worker sitting nearby could easily see your screen and take notes if you need to be more careful about positioning. The key here is physical proximity and the victim’s lack of awareness.

Here are some other everyday situations where shoulder surfing can occur:

• Public Payments: You can pay a bill or purchase on your phone in a crowded space by talking out loud while entering your debit card number or PIN, allowing someone nearby to catch the information.
• Coffee Shop Snoops: Are you working on your laptop at a cafe? Someone sitting close could steal a glance at your screen and potentially copy down passwords or other confidential data you’re typing.
• Public Wi-Fi Woes: Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN increases your risk. Hackers might lurk on the network, intercepting information you send or receive.
• Peeping at the Office PC: Filling out personal information on a work computer in a public area is risky. Someone walking by could see your screen and potentially steal your contact details or even your social security number, leading to identity theft.

Remember, shoulder surfing relies on opportunity. Being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions can make it much harder for someone to steal your information this way.

How to Protect Yourself from Shoulder Surfing Attacks

There are many ways to protect ourselves from these attacks. Here are some ways.

Control what others can see:

• Position yourself strategically: When using your laptop or phone in public, try to position yourself so the screen isn’t readily visible to others nearby.
• Privacy screens: Consider using privacy screen protectors for your laptop or phone. These filters make the screen appear dark or blurry from an angled view, making it difficult for shoulder surfers to see what you’re doing.

Be cautious when entering sensitive information:

• Minimize screen time: Try to minimize the time you spend displaying sensitive information on your screen.
• Look for virtual keyboards: When possible, use virtual keyboards on your phone or computer screen to enter passwords or PINs instead of the physical keyboard. This can help prevent someone from seeing which keys you’re pressing.
• Two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step beyond just your password.

Additional tips:

• Be discreet: Avoid talking loudly about passwords, PINs, or other sensitive information in public places.
• Beware of social engineering: Scammers may distract you to steal your information. Be wary of anyone who seems overly friendly or helpful in public spaces.
• Keep software updated: Ensure your devices have the latest security updates installed to address potential vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Protecting our sensitive information is critical. Cyber surfing, a simple yet effective technique, can leave you vulnerable to financial loss, identity theft, and even extortion. Following the precautionary measures above and staying vigilant in public spaces can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these attacks. 

Consider using a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. This will eliminate the need to type in passwords in public and add another layer of security to your online presence. Remember, a little awareness goes a long way in protecting your data.