Cyber Safety · 45 sec
Shoulder surfing (computer security)
A concept that can help you make safer digital choices.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
In computer security, shoulder surfing is a social engineering technique used to obtain a user's authentication information without their permission.
- How it works
In a shoulder-surfing attack, observation may be conducted remotely or at close range by covertly looking over the target's shoulder.
- Why it matters
For example, a shoulder surfer may spy on a person entering their PIN in an ATM.
Why this matters
Use Shoulder surfing (computer security) to recognize risk and choose the safer digital action.
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Use Shoulder surfing (computer security) to recognize risk and choose the safer digital action.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Shoulder surfing (computer security)?
- Why it matters
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
In computer security, shoulder surfing is a social engineering technique used to obtain a user's authentication information without their permission.