Go to any airport or café and you will see scores of people using their laptops, headset on, head nodding to some beat, totally oblivious that a world exists beyond their little comfy spot.
That is where the problem begins. When you are out in the public, anyone can look at your computer/device screen and observe what you type. Security cameras are everywhere recording what is going on in your computer/device. A “shoulder surfer” with a high-resolution smartphone camera can make a video recording of your keystrokes as you type in your password; later, he can replay the video in slow motion to work out what you typed in. Even if you are sure no one is near you to look over your shoulders, you can still be observed with cheap hidden cameras and binoculars.
So, what can you do?
Use password manager to auto-enter passwords for you
If you need to enter passwords, let the password manager enter it for you. Or do a copy and paste from the password manager. Whatever you do, do not type in your password.
In my book, Digital Security & Privacy for Dummies, there is an entire chapter on password managers. It has step-by-step guides on what you need to do exactly to secure yourself with a password manager.
Get screen privacy filters
For smartphones and tablets, there are screen protectors that also function as privacy filters. They make it very difficult for other people to see what is on your screen.
For laptop and desktop computers, there are privacy filters made for the same purpose too.
Screen privacy works by making your screen viewable only if you are positioned directly in front of it. That will foil most cameras and ‘shoulder surfers’ from looking and recording your screen.
You can buy screen privacy filters for:
