What is Tailgating in Cyber Security?

If you are thinking “What is Tailgating in Cyber Security?”. It is the right place to answer this query.

In the world of cyber security, understanding various types of social engineering attacks is crucial. One of the famous one is tailgating.

In this tutorial, we will explore tailgating with practical examples and tips about prevention.

Understanding Tailgating in Cyber Security

Tailgating is a form of social engineering where an attacker gains unauthorized access to a restricted area by following someone who is authorized.

Unlike sophisticated hacking techniques, tailgating relies on exploiting human trust and oversight. It is often used to gain physical access to secure locations, such as office buildings or data centers, but it can also apply to digital spaces.

How Tailgating Attacks Occur?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a typical tailgating attack might occur:

1. Research: The attacker gathers information about the target environment, such as entry points, security measures, and employee routines.
2. Crafting the Pretext: The attacker develops a scenario to gain the target’s trust.
3. Engagement: The attacker closely follows an authorized person into the restricted area, often by asking them to “hold the door” or by blending in with a group.
4. Exploitation: Once inside, the attacker can steal sensitive information, install malware, or gain further access to secure systems.

Real-World Examples of Tailgating in Cyber Security

Tailgating attacks can take many forms, and here are a few real-world examples to illustrate how they work:

1. The Delivery Person: An attacker dresses up as a delivery person and asks an employee to hold the door open while they carry in packages. The employee, not wanting to be rude, complies, allowing the attacker access to the building.
2. The Forgotten Badge: An attacker pretends to be an employee who has forgotten their access badge. They wait near the entrance and ask someone to let them in, claiming they are in a hurry or have an important meeting.
3. The Friendly Stranger: An attacker strikes up a conversation with an employee outside the building and then follows them inside, using the distraction to bypass security checks.

How to Protect Yourself from Tailgating?

Protecting yourself and your organization from tailgating requires a combination of awareness and vigilance. To protect yourself from tailgating, follow some tips:

• Verify Identities: Always verify the identity of anyone requesting access to a restricted area. If someone claims to have forgotten their badge, direct them to security or reception.
• Be Skeptical: Be cautious of unsolicited requests for access, especially if they come with a sense of urgency or pressure.
• Educate Employees: Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about the risks of tailgating.
• Use Physical Barriers: Implement physical barriers, such as turnstiles or security doors, that require individual authentication for entry.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Encourage employees to report any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access attempts to security personnel immediately.

Conclusion

Tailgating exploits human trust and oversight to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas. By understanding how tailgating works and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can protect your organization from potential security breaches.