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How to Prevent Shoulder Surfing: 3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Personal Information Safe

Protect yourself from shoulder surfing with these easy tips. Keep your personal information safe and secure with our guide to preventing shoulder surfing.

By Alex LimPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
How to Prevent Shoulder Surfing: 3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Personal Information Safe
Photo by Franck on Unsplash

Keeping our personal information and belongings safe is essential in today's world, and one of the ways thieves can take advantage of us is through shoulder surfing. This method involves a person looking over your shoulder as you enter your PIN or password, and then using that information to steal from you. However, with some simple steps, you can avoid becoming a victim of shoulder surfing. In this article, we will provide you with tips and tricks on how to prevent shoulder surfing and protect your personal information.

How to Prevent Shoulder Surfing: 3 Easy Tips

Tip 1: Be Aware of Your Surroundings

One of the easiest ways to prevent shoulder surfing is to be aware of your surroundings. When you are entering your PIN or password, make sure you are standing in a location where no one can see the screen of your device. If possible, use a privacy screen to block the view of your screen from anyone standing beside or behind you. Another way to be aware of your surroundings is to look around for anyone who may be watching you. If you suspect someone is shoulder surfing, move to another location or cover your screen with your hand.

Tip 2: Use Longer and More Complex Passwords

Another way to prevent shoulder surfing is to use longer and more complex passwords. The longer and more complex your password, the harder it is for a shoulder surfer to remember or guess. Make sure your passwords are a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like "1234" or "password," and do not use the same password for multiple accounts.

Tip 3: Change Your Passwords Regularly

Finally, it is essential to change your passwords regularly to prevent shoulder surfing. This is especially important if you suspect someone may have seen your password. Changing your password every few months is a good idea to ensure your personal information is secure. When changing your password, make sure to follow the same guidelines as for creating a complex password.

FAQs About Shoulder Surfing

Q: What is shoulder surfing?

A: Shoulder surfing is a method used by thieves to steal personal information by looking over someone's shoulder as they enter their PIN or password.

Q: Can a privacy screen protect me from shoulder surfing?

A: Yes, a privacy screen can protect you from shoulder surfing by blocking the view of your screen from anyone standing beside or behind you.

Q: How often should I change my passwords?

A: It is recommended to change your passwords every few months, especially if you suspect someone may have seen your password.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shoulder surfing is a real threat, and it is essential to take steps to protect your personal information. By being aware of your surroundings, using longer and more complex passwords, and changing your passwords regularly, you can prevent shoulder surfing and keep your personal information safe. Remember to be vigilant and take these simple steps to ensure your personal information is secure.

Summary

Shoulder surfing is a common method used by thieves to steal personal information by looking over someone's shoulder as they enter their PIN or password. To prevent shoulder surfing, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings, use longer and more complex passwords, and change your passwords regularly. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your personal information safe and secure.

Further reading about Tips and Best Practices: How to Protect Yourself from Phone Thieves and Shoulder Surfers

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About the Creator

Alex Lim

Writing about data and emerging technologies topic, Solution Consultant, Technology (pupuweb.com) and Marketing/Business (paminy.com) Blogger, Photographer (pimodi.com), Husband, and Father of 2

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  • Kate Taralin2 years ago

    Are you concerned about your privacy being monitored? If you have been using the internet for any significant length of time, there is a good chance that you've run into a website or application where tracking your attention was the main goal. I can suggest reading a good article - https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbalaban/2023/09/14/top-12-tools-and-technologies-to-ramp-up-your-online-privacy/ where you can easily find a bunch of effective methods to make your privacy better.

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