Learn English – Verb for looking at someone’s newspaper or phone stealthily

single-word-requestsverbs

Is there a verb meaning watching others' phone / read a newspaper stealthily (i.e. without their noticing)? E.g. while sitting beside someone in a subway and checking what he is doing.

I'm looking for a verb for this act which has some negative connotation.

Best Answer

Shoulder surfing has a negative connotation.

Wikipedia says:

In computer security, shoulder surfing refers to using direct observation techniques, such as looking over someone's shoulder, to get information. It is commonly used to obtain passwords, PINs, security codes, and similar data.

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