A Situation in Cybersecurity: Shoulder Surfing

What is the term used for a situation in which an unauthorized person can view another user's display or keyboard to learn their password or other confidential information?

The term used for a situation in which an unauthorized person can view another user's display or keyboard to learn their password or other confidential information is 'Shoulder surfing'.

Understanding Shoulder Surfing in Cybersecurity

Shoulder surfing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to gather sensitive information by literally looking over a person's shoulder and observing their actions on a device. This practice is a form of unauthorized information gathering that poses a significant security risk to individuals and organizations.

Shoulder surfing attacks can occur in various settings, such as public places, offices, or even within homes. Cybercriminals often take advantage of crowded spaces or distractions to observe and collect confidential data, including passwords, PIN codes, and other personal information.

Preventing Shoulder Surfing

To protect against shoulder surfing attacks, individuals can take several measures to enhance their cybersecurity posture:

• Use privacy screens: Privacy screens can be attached to devices to limit the viewing angle, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to see the screen contents.
• Be aware of surroundings: Stay vigilant in public spaces and avoid displaying sensitive information in plain sight.
• Use secure passwords: Utilize strong and unique passwords for different accounts to minimize the impact of potential shoulder surfing incidents.
• Implement two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security, even if passwords are compromised through shoulder surfing.

Overall, understanding the risks associated with shoulder surfing is essential for maintaining cybersecurity awareness and protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.