Watch for ATM Onlookers

Part of protecting your personal information is to always be alert of your physical surroundings. In many cases, a criminal will use a combination of techniques to steal information. One of the most common methods is called "surveillance" - which is a fancy term for watching. Just like in the spy movies, criminals will often spend time watching a person or place to determine patterns that may give them an advantage.

One common and simple way to steal personal information, such as a PIN number, is to watch people type their password on a keypad. Since for ATM machines the PIN is often only 4 digits, these can be very easy to remember. While there are many sophisticated methods, such as "keystroke loggers" (which monitor your typing) or video cameras, in many real-world cases people are able to steal passwords or PINS simply by watching.

ATM machines are perfect for this crime since it is common for people to be standing in line waiting to use the machine. Some people stand uncomfortably close during these transactions.

Security Tip: Whenever you are using your ATM, or any other keypad where you type in your personal PIN, make sure nobody is watching. If they are watching, more your body in front of their line of site or simply abandon the transaction and return later.

You can use this tip whenever you type any personal login or password information into any keypad that is in view of others.