Shoulder Surfing
The act of secretly watching someone enter a password, PIN, or other sensitive information by looking over their shoulder.
Shoulder surfing↗ is the low-tech act of secretly observing someone as they enter a password, PIN, or other sensitive information, typically by looking over their shoulder in a public place like a coffee shop, airport, or ATM line. It requires no technical skill at all, just proximity and attention.
Despite its simplicity, shoulder surfing remains an effective way to steal credentials, especially in crowded public spaces where people let their guard down. Using privacy screen filters, shielding a keypad with your hand, and being aware of your surroundings when entering sensitive information are simple, effective defenses.