What is Shoulder Surfing and How can we Avoid it?

Imagine typing a sensitive password or PIN while a prying eye is covertly watching. The risk is real, and the consequences can be severe. This sneaky practice is known as Shoulder Surfing. But What is Shoulder Surfing? Think of it as a stealthy spy game where someone tries to steal your private info by peeking over your shoulder. To protect yourself, stay alert and shield your screen—because your secrets are worth safeguarding!

In this blog, we’ll explore the depths of “What is Shoulder Surfing” and the measures to shield ourselves from prying eyes.  With practical tips and preventive measures, we aim to empower you to become an impenetrable fortress of privacy. When it comes to protecting your information, ignorance isn’t bliss—it’s a vulnerability.

Table of Contents  

1) Understanding Shoulder Surfing

2) Where Do Shoulder Surfing Attacks Happen?

3) How to Avoid Shoulder Surfing Attacks?   

4) Conclusion

Understanding Shoulder Surfing  

Shoulder Surfing is like a stealthy spy game. Imagine you’re at an ATM, typing in your PIN. Someone nearby sneaks a peek at your screen to see your secret code. That’s it! They’re trying to steal your private info by watching over your shoulder. Here’s how it works:

a) Scenario 1: The attacker physically stands close to you, pretending to mind their own business while secretly eyeing your screen.

b) Scenario 2: They use technology (like binoculars or hidden cameras) to capture your info from a distance.

What can they steal? Anything sensitive: login credentials, PIN numbers, credit card details—you name it! So, stay vigilant and shield your screen. Your secrets are worth safeguarding!
 

Where Do Shoulder Surfing Attacks Happen?

The practice of Shoulder Surfing originated in the early 1980s. At that time, fraudsters would stealthily observe individuals as they keyed in their calling card numbers at public payphones. The fraudsters would then either utilise these numbers to place long-distance calls themselves or sell them at reduced rates.

In contemporary times, scammers continue to employ the tactic of covertly watching over their target’s shoulder to obtain sensitive information. However, they have also adapted their methods to exploit the technological advancements and weaknesses present in our devices. Below are some prevalent forms of Shoulder Surfing to be vigilant of:

1) In Crowded Environments

Shoulder Surfers often goes in busy areas where they can easily camouflage themselves and pilfer information without notice. Consider a scenario where you are dining out with friends and need to transfer funds into your account to settle the bill. A Shoulder Surfer in proximity could observe as you input your banking credentials into your mobile banking application, and later use this information to drain your account or engage in financial deception.

2) When you’re Using an ATM

Shoulder Surfers routinely prey on Automated Teller Machines ATMs situated in public spots, such as outside gas stations. Rather than merely attempting to spy on your Personal Identification Number (PIN), they execute various fraudulent schemes, including:

a) “Skimmers” or “Shimmers”: These diminutive gadgets are affixed atop ATMs or inserted into the card slot to capture your account details during transactions.

b) Covert Cameras and Recorders: Some Shoulder Surfers install minuscule cameras near ATMs to directly monitor your PIN entry and card information.

c) Surveillance Equipment: Other fraudsters may position themselves in a vehicle across the parking lot, employing binoculars and sophisticated listening devices to intercept your data.

3) On Public Transportation

 Many individuals do not hesitate to use their phones while on public transit, yet this setting is ideal for Shoulder Surfers to strike. Anytime you access an app or enter your passcode on your phone, a Shoulder Surfer could be recording that information. Subsequently, they might purloin your phone or wallet to access your confidential data.

 A mobile device often serves as a gateway to a person's most private information. For instance, when someone's phone was stolen during a vacation, scammers gained access to their bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and email. The scammers even managed to alter passwords, effectively locking the individual out of their own accounts.

4) While Using Public Wi-Fi 

Logging into accounts using the Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) at your local café can jeopardise your sensitive data. Cybercriminals exploit unsecured public Wi-Fi networks to conduct Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, a sophisticated form of Shoulder Surfing where they intercept your online activities to steal sensitive information.

The most alarming aspect is the stealthiness of these attacks; you remain oblivious as the perpetrator captures your personal details while you navigate social media platforms, shop online, or use work-related applications. Be aware and protect your digital footprint.

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How to Avoid Shoulder Surfing Attacks?  

Avoiding Shoulder Surfing attacks requires implementation and vigilance of various security measures to protect your sensitive information. Here are some steps you can take to avoid Shoulder Surfing attacks.  

1) Be Aware of Surroundings 

You should always be aware of your surroundings, specifically in public areas where sensitive information may be entered.  

2) Use Privacy Screens

Always use privacy screens or screen protectors on your laptops and mobile devices. This can restrict the viewing angle, making it difficult for attackers to see your screens unless they are directly in front of it.   

3) Shield Your Keypad

When you enter a PIN or other sensitive information on keypads or ATMs, use your hand or your body to cover the keypad from view.   

4) Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions

Always try to avoid sensitive transactions such as online banking on public Wi-Fi networks, as they might not be secure.   

5) Use two-factor Authentication

Enable two-factor authentication wherever it is possible, which performs as an additional layer of security even if someone captures your password.  

6) Stop Using the Same Passwords

Most people use the same password for all types of accounts. This can put your accounts in danger. So, avoid this and try to change your passwords frequently.    

7) Educate Yourself and Others

Educate yourself and your colleagues or family members about the risks of Shoulder Surfing and the importance of practising vigilance and good security habits.  

8) Report Suspicious Activity

 If you notice someone behaving suspiciously or attempting to Shoulder Surf, report it to the appropriate authorities or security personnel.  

9) Use end-to-end Encryption 

When communicating sensitive information, use apps or services that offer end-to-end encryption to prevent the content of your messages or calls from being compromised. 

10) Secure Your Physical Documents 

In addition to digital security, protect physical documents and sensitive information by storing them securely and disposing of them properly.  

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Conclusion  

In conclusion, Shoulder Surfing is a silent threat in our interconnected world, but it’s one we can outsmart with vigilance and proactive measures. By understanding What is Shoulder Surfing, we can shield our personal data from prying eyes. Let’s turn awareness into action and keep our information where it belongs—in our own hands. 

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