87% of mobile workers had noticed strangers taking a sneaky glance at their monitors in public spaces.
How does the private information protection affect you?
We may not believe it, but before the first computer was built or even designed before the internet was an information superhighway, people were hacking private information. The original hack was and remains the simplest of them all – taking an unsolicited look at the information that’s really none of our business.
The visual hack only needs two variables – a person or small group of people accessing information that pertains to them and someone who accesses that data when it doesn’t. We’re exploring visual hacking, sometimes known as shoulder surfing, and what we can all do to protect our data from prying eyes.
4 Private information protection tips to prevent visual hackers from gaining access to your sensitive information
A 2017 study showed that a staggering 87% of mobile workers had noticed strangers taking a sneaky glance at their monitors in public spaces. Of course, sometimes people are just a bit nosy – they unthinkingly rest their gaze on our laptops with no intention of stealing data.
Perhaps they’re just curious. However, it’s never possible to know who’s just daydreaming and who’s got an unhealthy interest in our work. (Source: http://travelskills.com/2017/09/21/5-ways-to-prevent-shoulder-surfing/)
It’s not just work
Shoulder surfing and “screen stranger danger” aren’t just limited to people who are using their laptops for work. Whether we’re accessing personal social media accounts on laptops or watching a box set while traveling, we don’t want someone peering at our screens. It’s an invasion of privacy, full stop.
Here are some tips to prevent visual hackers from gaining access to sensitive information on your laptop or monitor screen.
Where possible, avoid working in public places
Whether it’s the airport departure lounge, the train carriage, or the high street café, when you’re using your computer in public, you’re at risk from visual hacking.
Block the view
If it’s practical, block the view to your monitor. Use your bag or your back, tilt your screen, or reposition your chair to make it impossible for anyone to see what you’re working on. Invest in a privacy screen. A privacy screen or privacy filter is one way to stop potential data thieves from taking a sidelong glance at your information. You may have seen them used by bank clerks. They use black-out technology to make the screen appear black when viewed from an angle. www.travelskills.com/2017/09/21/5-ways-to-prevent-shoulder-surfing
Be vigilant
When you’re aware of the possibility of someone shoulder surfing around you, you’re better equipped to avoid it. Check out the people around you. Is anyone sitting too close or displaying body language that makes you uncomfortable? Also, remember that people can use their smartphones to take photographs that may capture your screen and the information it displays. Don’t leave your computer unattended. An unattended computer in a public space is not only a theft risk but also a data security risk. Take it with you wherever you go.
GDPR and visual hacking
The European General Data Protection Regulation came into effect on 25 May 2018 and the South African version of GDPR which is POPIA came into effect on 1 July 2020 with a 12 month grace period ending on 1 July 2021. The regulations cover the handling and protection of personal data. All organisations are required to process this information securely and although the greatest risks are in the transferring of data online, it’s wise to be aware of visual hacking risks too. If you’re working with personal data in a public space where visual hacking could take place, you’re legally responsible for that data, just as you would be if your system was preyed upon by cyber attackers.
Advantages of Private Information Protection
Protect Your Personal Data
Private information protection keeps your personal data protected from people who may want to exploit it. Minimizing your digital footprint makes it more difficult for people to take advantage of you and your data.
Stop Unwanted Solicitations
Without private information protection, marketers can target advertisements and other messaging directly to you. If these types of ads annoy you, the best way to get rid of them is to prevent the marketers from getting your data.Privacy-intrusive data collection runs the internet advertising industry. If you can end the stream of data you give to the marketers, they’ll no longer be able to target you with ads.
Protect Your Email Address
If you can keep third-parties from getting your email address, you can avoid getting tons of unwanted spam email. Willingly giving out your email leads to an overwhelming influx of advertising messages in your inbox.
Disadvantages Of Private Information Protection
Privacy-Focused Products Cost Money
Keeping your personally identifiable data secure isn’t free. Because many mainstream services collect and sell your data to make money, private alternatives have to adopt different business models. Free tools often collect your information, so you don’t have to pay. Privacy-friendly business models often use a subscription-based payment model.
Is it Really Private?
You can take every recommended step towards privacy and due to one weak point, leak your information. It’s our stance that any private information protection is better than none, but it can be overwhelming. If you feel like your efforts aren’t being rewards, it can be hard to continue using privacy-focused products and services.
Your Private Information Might Still Be Public
If you use privacy products your data should be private. Forgetting just one aspect of protecting your privacy could let your personal information slip into a big database and in the hands of an internet advertiser.
Your Reputation May Be In Question
There are some stigmas surrounding privacy on the internet. Some people feel that the only reason that someone would want to cover their tracks online is because they’re doing something illegal. While this isn’t the case, it’s an unfortunate situation for anyone who sees the advantages of keeping your internet activity hidden from prying eyes.