What Is A Tailgating Attack? Definition and Prevention

People can gain unauthorized entry to secure locations using several methods. Tailgating attacks are one example. They depend on general complacency or the kindness of people and exploit system weaknesses to access restricted areas. Learn what a tailgating attack is, what one looks like in real life, and how to keep yourself from becoming a victim. 

Defining What a Tailgating Attack Is

A piggyback attack occurs when one person or vehicle accesses an area immediately after another. They rely on the authorized person opening a gate, holding a door, or bypassing security measures. In some cases, a person pretends to be someone they are not, such as a delivery driver, to get into a building.  

Tailgating attacks can easily circumvent many modern security protocols. For example, campus security systems often rely on biometrics to access dorm rooms, but an attacker who poses as a DoorDash driver will seem relatively harmless to the students who let him in.   

Types of Piggyback Attacks

Many tailgating attacks are physical security breaches where an individual enters a building, parking area, or other restricted location. However, this is not the only type. Take a minute to learn the different types of piggyback attacks and what they could look like.

Physical attacks occur when someone gains unauthorized access to a secure area. These attacks often go unnoticed because they happen in plain sight and rely on the benevolence of other people. 

Cyber attacks can also happen. These allow a person to access restricted computer systems or sensitive data. They can happen when an authorized user leaves a session open and steps away from a workstation, by exploiting system weaknesses, installing malware, or through coercion. 

What Is an Example of a Tailgating Attack?

Take a look at some examples of security breaches using this method to understand how they look in real life.

An attacker waits near the entrance to a secure building. When an employee scans his badge to enter a building, he then holds the door for the person behind him. The attacker enters the building and accesses sensitive information. 

Someone poses as a courier. They approach and state they are making a delivery to a specific department. Security lets them through the main gate, providing access to the entire facility. 

An employee clicks a link in an unidentified email, allowing an attacker to install malware on their computer. The attacker steals tokens and uses them to act as the employee for the remainder of the session. 

These scenarios all assume an unknowing victim. However, in some situations, an employee may intentionally walk away from an open laptop or leave a door unlatched to allow access. 

How To Prevent a Tailgating Attack

Knowing the meaning of a tailgating attack is just the first step in preventing them. You must take steps to educate employees, increase security protocols, and install devices that reduce the risk of this type of security breach. 

Employee training is a key component to preventing piggyback attacks, especially when it comes to cyber attacks. General guidelines for employees include:

• Designating a specific place for food or general deliveries that is outside of secure areas
• Marking suspicious emails as spam and reporting them to IT
• Never allowing another person through a door with you
• Remaining aware of surroundings when entering and exiting secure areas
• Using multifactor authentication and timed work sessions

Remember, these attacks take advantage of kindness and complacency. When you train employees to be alert to threats, you can stop a large portion of them. 

Implementing best security practices for data centers and other vulnerable locations can help prevent many of these situations. For example, monitored security cameras detect unauthorized users at terminals. 

Segmenting access so that no one person has access to the entire system or all physical areas of the plant is incredibly helpful. It limits the reach of potential attackers and may prompt a repeat attempt that you can intercept. Using physical security measures, such as guard booths, can help you limit physical access to a location and stop someone from leaving if a breach is detected. 

Explore What a Tailgating Attack Is and How To Stop One With Delta Scientific 

Understanding what a tailgating attack is is the first step in preventing one. Delta Scientific is a leader in access control solutions. Our team can help you choose and implement a complete system to reduce the risk of security breaches. We work with companies around the world to improve physical security measures. Contact us to get started. emand, allowing emergency vehicles to enter as necessary. Our team is ready to help assess your needs and find the correct portable safety barrier to secure your events. Request a quote to learn more. 

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