What Is Tailgating (Piggybacking) In Cyber Security?

What is tailgating in cyber security?

What is tailgating in cyber security? In cyber security, tailgating is when an unauthorized user follows someone into a secure area by closely following them.

This can be done intentionally or unintentionally. The objective of the unauthorized user is to gain access to the secure area without being noticed.

Tailgating is a serious security threat because it allows unauthorized users to bypass security measures, such as security guards and locked doors. In some cases, tailgating can even be used to gain physical access to computer systems and other sensitive equipment.

Tailgating attacks vs Piggybacking

Tailgating attacks and piggybacking are very similar, but there are a few key differences. Piggybacking is when an unauthorized user enters a secure area by following someone authorized to be there.

Tailgating can refer to people entering a secure area such as a computer system.

Preventing Tailgating: What You Can Do

There are several things you can do to help prevent tailgating in your organization:

  • Install security measures that require all users to authenticate themselves before entering a secure area.
  • Have a policy that requires employees to check people’s identities before allowing them to enter a secure area.
  • Educate employees on the signs of tailgating and what to do if they see someone trying to follow them into a secure area.
  • Install security cameras in areas where tailgating is likely to occur.
  • Use badge readers or other electronic access control devices requiring users to present their credentials before entering a secure area.

Tailgating can be prevented by taking some simple precautions. By implementing the measures listed above, you can help protect your organization from this type of attack.

What is tailgating in social engineering?

Signs of a Tailgating Attack

Several signs may indicate that someone is attempting to tailgate you:

  • Someone is closely following you, even when there is no logical reason for them to do so.
  • You see someone is trying to enter a secure area without presenting credentials or going through the proper channels.
  • You see someone trying to circumvent security measures, such as by following you through a door that is supposed to be locked.
  • You see someone trying to copy your movements, especially when entering or exiting a secure area.

If you suspect that someone is attempting to tailgate you, take action and report it to your supervisor or security personnel. Please do not allow them to enter the secure area, and be sure to keep an eye on them so that they do not cause further harm.

Tailgating In Social Engineering: Staying safe

Tailgating is a popular tactic in social engineering, which is deception to gain access to confidential information. In many cases, the attacker will try to follow into a secure area to access their credentials or other sensitive information.

Who Are Most at Risk of Tailgating Attacks?

Tailgating attacks are most common in organizations where employees have access to sensitive information or physical assets.

These attacks can be especially dangerous in situations where employees are not adequately trained in how to identify and respond to them.

Piggybacking attack examples

Possible Ways To Mitigate The Risks Of Tailgating

Managing Access Control

The first step in mitigating the risks of tailgating is to manage access control properly. This can be done by implementing security measures requiring all users to authenticate before entering a secure area.

Electronic Access Control:

You can help prevent tailgating by using badge readers or other electronic access control devices requiring users to present their credentials before entering a secure area. This will help ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information or physical assets.

Secure Against Tailgating With the Open path Video Reader

The Open path Video Reader is an electronic access control device that uses video verification to ensure that the person trying to enter a secure area is authorized.

Additional measures

In addition to the measures listed above, you can also help prevent tailgating by installing security cameras in areas where tailgating is likely to occur. This will help you identify anyone attempting to tailgate you and take appropriate action.

You notice someone behaving suspiciously, especially when they are near secure areas or close to employees.

Advanced Tailgating Protection With Integration Partners

Camio

Camio is a security camera system that can monitor areas for suspicious activity. Camio can also be integrated with access control systems to help prevent tailgating attacks.

Iris ID

Iris ID is an iris recognition system that can be used to verify the identity of someone trying to enter a secure area. Iris ID can be integrated with access control systems.

Turnstiles

Turnstiles can be used to prevent tailgating by requiring all users to present their credentials before entering a secure area.

Turnstiles can also be integrated with access control systems to help further protect against tailgating attacks.

Anti-tailgating Best Practices

Install physical barriers

One of the best ways to prevent tailgating is to install physical barriers that require all users to pass through a security checkpoint before entering a secure area.

Use badge readers

Badge readers can be used to require all users to present their credentials before entering a secure area. Badge readers can also be integrated with access control systems to help further protect against tailgating attacks.

Rack occupancy with people sensors

Rack occupancy sensors can be used to monitor the number of people in a given area. If the sensor detects more people than what is allowed, the security system can be triggered to take action.

Set shorter unlock times

One way to help prevent tailgating is to set shorter unlock times for doors and other access points. This will help ensure that unauthorized users are not able to enter a secure area.

What is tailgating in cyber security conclusion?

Tailgating is a physical security breach that can be easily accomplished by following an authorized individual into a secured premise.

While there are many ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim of tailgating, it’s important to remember that social engineering-based attacks are often the simplest way around security mechanisms.

By being aware of the risks and taking simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and your organization from this type of attack.