What BEST describes a situation where a user sees a technician typing a password?
The described situation is called Shoulder Surfing, which involves spying on someone to obtain their PIN, password, or other personal data.
Shoulder Surfing: Understanding the Security Risk
Shoulder Surfing is a term used in the realm of information security to describe a scenario where someone observes another individual entering sensitive information, such as passwords or PIN numbers, without their knowledge or consent. This practice is a serious security concern in various settings, including offices, public places, and even at home.
How Does Shoulder Surfing Work?
In the case provided, the user standing close to the technician and seeing the password being typed is a classic example of shoulder surfing. The perpetrator can easily memorize or note down the password, which can then be used for malicious purposes. This method of data theft is relatively simple yet effective, highlighting the need for vigilance when entering confidential information in the presence of others.
Preventing Shoulder Surfing Attacks
To protect sensitive information from shoulder surfing attacks, individuals can take several precautions. These may include:
- Ensuring there is sufficient physical distance between oneself and others when entering passwords.
- Using privacy screens or shields on devices to prevent unauthorized viewing.
- Being aware of the surroundings and suspicious behavior of those nearby.
- Implementing multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Comparing Shoulder Surfing to Other Threats
While shoulder surfing targets the direct observation of passwords, other cyber threats operate differently. For example:
- Dumpster diving involves rummaging through trash to find discarded information.
- Phishing refers to deceptive tactics to obtain personal data through fraudulent means.
- Social engineering includes manipulating individuals to divulge confidential information unknowingly.
In conclusion, shoulder surfing remains a prevalent security risk that can compromise sensitive data. By understanding this threat and adopting appropriate security measures, individuals and organizations can mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to confidential information.