In computer security,shoulder surfing refers to using direct observation techniques, such as looking over someone's shoulder, to get information. Shoulder surfing is particularly effective in crowded places because it is relatively easy to observe someone as they: fill out a form, enter their PIN at an POS terminal, etc.

　　在计算机安全领域，shoulder surfing“肩窥”指(站在别人身后)越过肩膀探看别人操作获取信息的做法。这种方式在填表、在POS机上输密码等人多拥挤的场合更为适用。

　　Shoulder surfing might also have another meaning. You know when you are at a party, talking to someone, and they don’t seem to be very interested in your conversation? They seem to be constantly looking over your shoulder, trying to find someone more interesting or attractive to talk to. Well – some people call this shoulder surfing too!

　　“肩窥”还有另一层意思。说的是，在聚会上，你正跟一个人说着话，而对方似乎对你们的谈话并没有兴趣，所以眼神越过你的肩膀，试图搜寻别的更有趣或对其更有吸引力的聊天对象。人们把这种情况也叫做“肩窥(shoulder surfing)”。