Which term describes looking over someone's shoulder to capture a password?

• A. Shadowing
• B. Trailing
• C. Shoulder surfing
• D. Piggybacking

Answer: (C)

Observing someone enter a password by looking over their shoulder is called shoulder surfing. It’s a direct observation of credentials being entered or displayed, often in public or shared spaces, and the attacker relies on visibility rather than breaking in or stealing devices. This term precisely captures the act of watching someone type a password to capture it. The other terms describe different behaviors: shadowing or trailing implies following someone over time rather than specifically watching password input, and piggybacking refers to gaining physical access by accompanying someone through a secured entry, not observing credentials.