Given the surge in cybercrimes, the need for proactive measures against phishing attacks and malware is often stressed. At the same time, however, the vulnerability of your digital sensitive information to physical breach of security is often overlooked.
Tailgating, in simple terms, is unauthorized access to secured spaces, which perpetrators gain by exploiting the trust of legitimate users.
This not only poses a significant threat to the safety of individuals in a working space but also puts sensitive information, company assets, and confidential data at serious risk. Consequently, it can lead to significant financial loss and reputation damage.
In this article, we explain what is tailgating, and how it employs social engineering. Additionally, we will also cite some common examples and preventive measures so you can proactively safeguard your company against tailgating.
What Is Tailgating?
According to a report, a singular tailgating incident can cost anywhere between $500,000 to $2 million to an organization. And this makes it paramount to understand tailgating and its preventive measures.
In layman's terms, tailgating implies following a vehicle too closely, which violates traffic rules and increases the risk of accidents.
But what is tailgating in cybersecurity? Well, in the realm of cybersecurity, tailgating refers to a deceptive tactic where an unauthorized person enters a secured space.
The intruder here can enter the premises to access on-site assets and information of a company. But they might as well steal and use someone’s login credentials to use an electronic.
Tailgating is essentially based on social engineering, where an intruder manipulates human psychology to bypass security measures. This is usually done by either closely following a user (such as an employee) or by directly stealing their legitimate access credentials.
Either way, an intruder in your premises compromises company assets, intellectual property, and private data, all of which can eventually have dire consequences.
How Does Tailgating Work?
Now that you know what is tailgating, it is crucial to understand how it works.
Tailgating is often referred to as a social engineering attack, where an intruder manipulates someone psychologically to get their access key or credentials. Here are some common methods of tailgating:
Taking Advantage of Goodwill
As we discussed, tailgating heavily relies on exploiting social norms.
A common example of tailgating is when an intruder closely follows someone and then asks them to hold the door claiming a forgotten ID card. Out of courtesy, someone would unknowingly let the perpetrator in.
Badge Cloning
Badge cloning involves replicating an employee's access key to enter a building. In cases of tailgating, perpetrators copy the electronic information on a legitimate access key and then duplicate it.
These fake credentials are then used for illicit purposes.
Impersonation
Impersonation is a common strategy in executing tailgating attacks, where unauthorized individuals assume false identities to gain access to a company.
They commonly pretend to be delivery persons, vendors, or repairmen. Security teams often let them in without much scrutiny. Once inside the premises, these impersonators easily blend into the working environment, before sneaking into secured areas storing confidential information.
False Pretenses as a Cybersecurity Firm
A rather interesting case of tailgating is when hackers pose as a cybersecurity firm. Under the guise of improving your device’s security, they stole valuable data stored on the targeted device.
Beyond data theft, imposters can also install malicious software on the system. This opens avenues for future disruptions and cyber threats, thereby posing a serious risk to the integrity and functionality of a company's digital infrastructure.
Using Unattended Devices
Unattended electronic equipment is a significant risk in tailgating attacks.
Research carried out at Stanford University revealed that a staggering 88% of data breaches occur due to employee error.
When employees lend devices without proper authorization or neglect securing their electronics, it naturally creates a vulnerability. Any opportunistic individual can then access their device to steal sensitive data.
What Are The Effects of Tailgating?
Tailgating is attempting to access valuable assets and confidential information. Therefore, naturally, it has serious consequences.
Here’s how it can affect an organization:
- Security Breach: Tailgating can lead to unauthorized individuals gaining physical access to secured areas, compromising the overall security of a facility.
- Compromising of Confidential Data: It can result in compromise of sensitive data and information, posing a threat to confidentiality.
- Reputation Damage: Security breaches significantly damage a company's reputation, impacting your dealings with clients, partners, and stakeholders. This can have long-term consequences for your business's success.
- Operational Disruption: Intruders gaining access through tailgating can naturally cause operational disruptions, leading to delays in service and loss of business.
- Financial Loss: Tailgating results in theft and reputation damage which causes significant financial loss.
What Are Tailgating Prevention Measures?
Social engineering attacks have surged by almost 270% in recent years. Given the prevalence and associated risks, it is crucial to implement preventive measures against tailgating.
Here are some essential steps you can take to improve security within your company:
Educating Employees
As mentioned earlier, the majority of security breaches occur because of human error. Given that tailgating heavily depends on exploiting basic etiquette, it is essential to educate employees about it.
- Conduct regular training sessions, addressing the risks and consequences of tailgating. Use real-life scenarios and case studies to drive home how a slight lapse in judgment and attention can lead to a security breach.
- Regularly send out emails highlighting the role employees play in maintaining a secure environment.
- Establish clear policies regarding access control, and ensure employees are familiar with it.
- Make sure employees do not leave their electronic devices unattended, and that they turn monitors off when they are not at their desk.
- You can also consider conducting tailgating simulations to reinforce proper access control practices.
- Encourage your employees to report any unusual incident or if they suspect possible tailgating.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication plays a crucial role in enhancing security and preventing trespassing.
It requires users to provide multiple forms of identification, such as passwords, biometrics, or security tokens, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access. Even in the case of stolen electronics, MFA mitigates the risk of data breach.
Smart Badges and Cards
Smart badges are physical credentials equipped with embedded technology, like microprocessors or RFID chips.
It is difficult to replicate them, which is why they provide better protection than identity card-based authentication.
Surveillance Systems
A robust surveillance system is crucial in preventing tailgating by providing real-time detection. Cameras make it easier to monitor any unauthorized access attempts, which allows security to respond promptly.
Apart from serving as a deterrent, the visual documentation also serves as valuable evidence in identifying perpetrators in case of tailgating incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tailgating and piggybacking?
While in essence, both tailgating and piggybacking involve unauthorized access to secured spaces, they do have a slight difference.
Tailgating is when an intruder closely follows someone through access points and sneaks in when the door is opened. Given this, tailgating always involves physical access.
Piggybacking, on the other hand, is a broad, more generalized term that encompasses various methods of breach. It can be both physical and virtual. Additionally, the term is also used when a legitimate user knowingly helps an unauthorized person enter the site.
What is the purpose of tailgating?
Tailgating is done to access secured spaces. While the intruder's intent can vary with every attack, it always boils down to malicious activities like stealing confidential information from a company or using its resources.
Can a tailgating attack be digital?
Tailgating attacks can be both digital and physical. Virtually, a malicious actor can log in to the company's electronics, or hack into your devices using an employee's credentials. Afterward, the intruder can attempt phishing or malware attacks as well.
Is tailgating a threat or a vulnerability?
Tailgating in cybersecurity is considered a threat that exploits vulnerabilities due to human elements, as well as potential lapses in physical and digital security protocols.
Addressing all security loopholes, and educating employees on staying vigilant go hand-in-hand to prevent tailgate.
What to do if my company has been tailgated?
Despite essential security measures, a breach still might occur. If you suspect your company has been tailgated, here’s what you can do:
- Review security footage: If someone has breached the physical security of your company, review the camera footage to see if you can identify the individual.
- Alert relevant authorities: First and foremost, lodge a complaint with the concerned authority as soon as possible. Share all the details regarding the perpetrator's physical attributes and clothing so law enforcement can easily track him down.
- Change passwords: Change the passwords of all the devices connected to your cloud. Enable two-factor authentication, and educate employees to never leave their electronics and workstations unattended.
- Implement preventive measures: Consider implementing proactive additional measures such as biometric access controls, visitor policies, or enhanced employee verification.