Explain that this threat represents a well-known and broad category of electronic and human activities that breach the confidentiality of information.

Establish that when an unauthorized individual gains access to the information an organization is trying to protect, that act is categorized as a deliberate act of espionage or trespass.

Contrast the thoughts that some people assume that information-gathering techniques are illegal when, in fact, they are not. When they are done properly, this is referred to as competitive intelligence. However, if a legal or ethical threshold is crossed, persons doing this are conducting industrial espionage.

Describe the concept of shoulder surfing. Emphasize that these commonly occur at computer terminals, desks, ATM machines, smartphones, or other places where a person is accessing confidential information.

Justify the notion that users should constantly be aware of the presence of others when they are always accessing sensitive data.