Visual hacker sneaking a peek at a coworker's monitor

Visual hacking is real

And it’s happening globally. Computer screens are at risk of exposing sensitive information, but 3M can help.

Learn how to protect your screens from visual hackers.

The Global Visual Hacking Experiment 1

An eye-opening look at the need for visual privacy in the workplace—all over the world.

In 2015, Ponemon Institute conducted an experiment in the U.S. that revealed how easy it was to capture sensitive company information through visual hacking. To determine if visual hacking was an issue on a global scale, 3M sponsored an expanded experiment in 2016 to include offices in China, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

The worldwide results are alarming and serve as a good reminder of the importance of addressing visual privacy in organizations all over the world.

Key frame from a video about the Visual Hacking Experiment

See the results.

And learn how to help protect sensitive information from visual hackers.

Explore the Global Visual Hacking Experiment

  • Infographic about how often sensitive information was obtained
    Visual hacking is easy.

    An undercover white hat hacker was able to visually hack information in 91% of the global trials.1

  • Infographic about how quickly visual hacking happens
    It happens quickly.

    In nearly half of the global trials an undercover visual hacker was able to obtain information in 15 minutes or less.1

  • Infographic about how multiple peices of information are at risk
    Computer screens are at risk.

    Globally, 52% of sensitive information was successfully hacked from employee computer screens.1

  • Infographic about how visual hackers were often unnoticed
    It often goes unnoticed.

    The visual hacker was stopped in only 32% of global attempts. Meaning 68% of the time no one did anything to stop them.1

  • 1 Sponsored by 3M
    2 Ponemon Institute, “3M Visual Hacking Experiment,” 2015, sponsored by 3M and the Visual Privacy Advisory Council.


Explore the Visual Hacking Experiment

Downloads and resources to learn more about the Visual Hacking Experiment.

Visual Hacking Risk Areas

Take the risk out of these key risk areas by addressing points of vulnerability in the workplace.

Understanding the methods of visual hackers can help to protect your visual privacy. Organisational leadership should focus on common points of visual hacking to help reduce vulnerability. Login credentials, classified documents, corporate financials and more are all at stake.

Illustration of a person walking through an office

Take a walk through your office.

Virtually any screen you see can also be seen by a visual hacker.

  • Illustration of person looking at screens in an office
    Anyone can be a visual hacker.
    How many visitors and contractors walk through your office every day? Even your own employees may see sensitive information.
  • Illustration of a person looking at screens in an open office environment
    Open office designs are prime targets.
    The low walls and shared spaces in many contemporary open office environments mean more screens are visible to more people.
  • Illustration of person looking through a glass office wall
    Be aware of common areas and glass walls.
    Lunchrooms, break rooms, conference rooms, and glass office walls and doors are all open season for prying eyes.
  • Infographic about how 59 percent of employees take their jobs outside the office

    59% 3 of employees take their jobs outside the office.

    Think outside your walls. In today’s modern, mobile business environment, having a visual privacy plan is more vital than ever.

  • 3 “Visual Data Breach Risk Assessment Study." 2010. People Security Consulting Services.


Explore more on Visual Hacking Risk Areas

More downloads and resources to explore about the Visual Hacking Experiment.

Preventing Visual Hacking

Encouraging awareness of visual privacy in the workplace and equipping screens with 3M Privacy Products is a great way to help reduce the risk of visual hacking.

  • Infographic showing the zone of privacy protection that 3M Privacy Products provide

    Keep visual hackers in the dark.

    3M Screen Privacy Products use advanced microlouver technology to block side views, while providing a crisp, clear view for the intended user.

  • 3M Privacy Filters and Screen Protectors

    Help protect the information on your screen, and help protect the screen itself against scratches, scuffs and glare.

    See all our privacy products

  • Privacy for Your Organisation

    See how healthcare, education, finance and government organisations can help prevent breaches.

    Learn more

  • Shop Now

    Find a privacy product that fits your device screen now.

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