What is visual hacking? In essence, visual hacking is spying what’s on others’ computer screens and desks. 3M’s 2016 Global Visual Hacking Experiment has found that the overwhelming majority of companies across the globe are not prepared to detect visual hacking in business office environments or to protect their most valuable information. To test the efficacy of visual hacking techniques, 3M had a white hat assume the role of a temporary office worker.