Shoulder surfing is a way of annoying a person by looking over their shoulder when they are trying to work. This practice is best avoided.

In security analysis, shoulder surfing is using direct observation techniques, such as looking over someone's shoulder, to get information. Shoulder surfing is particularly effective in crowded places because it's relatively easy to stand next to someone and watch as they fill out a form, enter their PIN at an automated teller machine, use a calling card at a public pay phone, or enter passwords at a cybercafe or airport kiosk. Shoulder surfing can also be done at a distance with the aid of binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices. Inexpensive, miniature closed-circuit television cameras can be concealed in ceilings, walls or fixtures to observe data entry. To prevent shoulder surfing, experts recommend that you shield paperwork or your keypad from view by using your body or cupping your hand.

See also

• Computer security

External links

• http://www.utexas.edu/admin/utpd/atm.html