What is a tailgating attack?
Tailgating is a type of social engineering attack in which an unauthorized person gains access to a secure area by closely following someone with legitimate credentials, often without the authorized individual noticing. These attacks commonly happen in workplaces and office buildings during high-traffic times, such as morning rushes or lunch breaks, when employees are coming and going and security might be less vigilant.
For example, an attacker might wait near the entrance of an office building, watching for someone who is distracted, such as a person checking their phone, talking to a colleague, or carrying something bulky. When the authorized individual unlocks the door and walks in, they may not notice someone quietly slipping in behind them.
How tailgating attacks work
Tailgating attacks generally follow a few main steps — finding a way in, watching routines, and slipping in unnoticed. Below is a closer look at how this usually happens:
- 1.Identifying entry points. First, the intruders survey a facility they want to enter, whether it’s an office building, corporate campus, or data center, and select a strategic access point to exploit. Attackers often focus on busy spots like main entrances, delivery docks, or smoking areas — places with regular foot traffic and lower security awareness, where it’s easier for them to blend in without drawing attention.
- 2.Observing employee patterns. Next, attackers discreetly watch the chosen entrance, noting the security measures in place, identifying the busiest times people enter and exit, and observing how employees look and behave. They may pay attention to the highest-traffic moments of the day or note when doors remain temporarily unlocked for deliveries. Attackers use this information to pick the optimal time to act without raising suspicion.
- 3.Blending in to avoid suspicion. The intruders carefully approach the chosen entry point at the right moment. They act confident and try to blend in with the people around them. They may wear realistic props like fake ID badges or carry delivery packages and clipboards.
- 4.Gaining unauthorized entry. Once inside, intruders focus on moving the attack forward. They might look for unattended laptops, smartphones, or confidential documents to steal or copy. Often, simply entering the restricted space without permission is just the first step toward accessing sensitive information or systems.
A tailgating attack can allow attackers to install malware or create hidden backdoors, enabling them to move deeper into the system without being noticed. Such incidents often result in data breaches, in which cybercriminals steal or expose sensitive information, such as customer records or passwords.
These breaches can cause financial losses for the affected organizations due to theft, damage, or disruption of daily operations. Also, organizations may face legal action if they fail to protect this data properly, resulting in fines or lawsuits.
Examples of tailgating in cybersecurity
Tailgating can take different forms depending on the situation. These examples show how easy it can be for unauthorized individuals to gain access to a building by blending in or exploiting routine behaviors:
- An unnoticed intruder. During peak hours, an attacker waits near a busy office entrance. As authorized personnel swipe their access cards and enter one after another, the attacker slips in right behind them. In the rush of people arriving, no one notices the unfamiliar face — and just like that, the attacker is inside without presenting any form of identification or access credentials.
- An impersonator. An attacker dresses to resemble a member of the IT team and waits near a secure door. When an authorized employee uses their badge to enter, the attacker walks in immediately behind them, without interacting or being noticed. Their appearance helps them blend in, so no one questions their presence.
- An after-hours intruder. Late in the evening, an attacker positions themselves near an employee entrance, knowing that people are less vigilant after hours. When an authorized person unlocks the door to return for a forgotten item, the attacker quickly and quietly slips in behind them before the door fully closes, avoiding any direct interaction or suspicion.
Tailgating vs. piggybacking
Tailgating is often confused with piggybacking, and it’s easy to see why — both involve someone getting into a secure area without proper authorization. But the key difference lies in consent and awareness.
Tailgating happens when an attacker sneaks in right behind someone with access, and that person doesn’t even realize it, often because they’re distracted, in a hurry, or just not paying enough attention. It’s more of a passive approach where the attacker takes advantage of people’s inattentiveness.
Piggybacking, on the other hand, involves some level of cooperation. The person with access knowingly allows someone in, often out of courtesy or because they’ve been deceived into thinking the individual belongs there.
To make things clearer, here’s a side-by-side comparison of tailgating and piggybacking:
| | Tailgating | Piggybacking |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An unauthorized person follows anyone with legitimate access — such as employees, visitors, or delivery personnel — into a restricted area without their knowledge or consent. | An unauthorized person gains access to a restricted area because someone with legitimate access knowingly allows or helps them enter. |
| Authorized person's awareness | The person with legitimate access doesn't notice they're being followed or that they've enabled unauthorized entry. | The person with legitimate access consciously permits or facilitates the unauthorized entry. |
| Attacker’s method | The attacker tries to remain unnoticed. | The attacker relies on the authorized person’s cooperation. |
| Detection difficulty | A tailgating attack is harder to detect because the intruder stays hidden and unnoticed. | Piggybacking is easier to spot because the authorized person is visibly allowing entry, though it’s not always clear if they realize the person lacks permission. |
How to prevent tailgating attacks
Preventing tailgating requires a proactive approach that combines strong physical security, well-informed employees, and the smart use of technology. By focusing on these three areas, organizations can build effective defenses that stop unauthorized access before it happens.
Physical security measures
The first step in preventing tailgating is securing your entry points. Tools like access badges, ID cards, and biometric scanners (like fingerprint or facial recognition systems) help ensure that only authorized individuals can get in. Also, having security staff at entrances can make a big difference — they can check credentials, verify identities, and monitor for any unusual activity.
Controlling how people enter is just as important. Barriers like turnstiles or revolving doors make it harder for anyone to quietly slip in behind someone else. And with surveillance cameras positioned near entry points, your security team can spot suspicious behavior and step in before it turns into a serious problem.
Employee training and awareness
Employee education also plays a key role in preventing tailgating. Regular training sessions help staff recognize potential threats, understand how to respond, and report anything that seems out of place. For example, reminding employees not to hold doors open for unfamiliar individuals — even if it feels polite — can go a long way in preventing tailgating.
It also helps to review and update your company’s security policies regularly. When everyone understands the rules and their responsibilities, it’s easier to maintain a secure environment. Occasional security drills or audits can also be helpful because they reinforce what people have learned and help identify areas that might need improvement.
The role of technology
While tailgating often involves tricking or distracting people, technology can help detect and prevent it. Advanced surveillance systems with built-in analytics can spot when someone tries to follow closely behind another person. These smart cameras can send instant alerts to security teams so they can step in.
Other tools, like integrated monitoring systems, can flag unusual behavior or unauthorized access attempts inside the network. The idea is to catch threats early and give your team clear, actionable information to work with.
That said, no single solution can do it all. Technology works best when it’s combined with responsible practices and a strong security culture. By paying attention to the physical space, educating employees, and using the right tools, organizations can make it much harder for tailgating attacks to succeed.
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