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.
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.
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:
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Tailgating is attempting to access valuable assets and confidential information. Therefore, naturally, it has serious consequences.
Here’s how it can affect an organization:
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Despite essential security measures, a breach still might occur. If you suspect your company has been tailgated, here’s what you can do: