What is Tailgating in Cybersecurity? How Do You Prevent it?

October 16, 2023


The internet has become quite the staple in the modern world, and our reliance on it is only increasing. With this increased reliance comes an increased need for cybersecurity. If you didn’t know, cybersecurity is the practice of protecting electronic information from unauthorised access or theft.

Cybersecurity includes the prevention of data breaches, identity theft, and other types of cybercrime. Cybersecurity is important for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. There are many different aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, application security, and data security.

Each of these areas is important in its own right, and all must be given due attention in order to keep information safe. On top of that, it’s important to be aware of different kinds of breaches that can come from the ineffectiveness or complete lack of cybersecurity. For instance, tailgating or piggybacking.

What Is Tailgating?

Tailgating, also known as piggybacking, is a type of social engineering attack in which an unauthorised person accesses a secured area. They may do so by following or walking behind someone who is authorised to be there.

Tailgating is quite a serious security threat because it can allow unauthorised access to sensitive areas, such as data centres, offices, and laboratories. Once the attacker is inside the secured area, they can then attempt to gain access to sensitive information or commit other crimes. It can also lead to theft, sabotage, and other malicious activities.

How Does Tailgating Work?

Tailgating usually involves two people, comprised of the attacker and the victim. The attacker will typically follow the victim into a secured area, such as an office building or garage. The victim may be unaware that they are being followed, or think that the person is with them.

Once the attacker is inside the secured area, they can then attempt to gain access to sensitive information or commit other crimes. For example, they may try to steal data from computers or plant malicious software on the network. They may also try to sabotage equipment or commit other acts of vandalism.

Why Does Tailgating Happen?

There are a few reasons why tailgating may occur. In some cases, the attacker may be trying to gain access to a specific area to commit a crime. In other cases, the attacker may try to take advantage of a specific person.

Finally, the attacker may be trying to gain access to a specific piece of information. For example, they may be trying to steal trade secrets or sensitive data. This may be for their own personal benefit or a hired job.

How Do You Prevent Tailgating?

There are a few ways to prevent tailgating in cybersecurity. First, you can implement physical security measures, such as turnstiles or security guards. This will help to ensure that only authorised personnel can enter the premises.

It’s also possible to implement technical security measures, such as access control lists or biometric authentication. This will help to ensure that only authorised personnel can access the data or systems that they need.

In conclusion, cybersecurity is quite important to do. It helps protect our online information, including our personal data and financial information, from breaches such as tailgating. It’s best to invest in it a little better.

Want to know more about BAMITS cybersecurity services? BAMITS was founded on the principle that businesses deserve smart, reliable, and efficient IT solutions, delivering premium managed IT services Australia-wide.