Tailgating, also known as piggybacking, is a physical social engineering attack that involves an unauthorized person following an authorized individual into a restricted or secure area. The attacker often relies on the target's politeness, or lack of attention, to gain access without proper identif…Tailgating, also known as piggybacking, is a physical social engineering attack that involves an unauthorized person following an authorized individual into a restricted or secure area. The attacker often relies on the target's politeness, or lack of attention, to gain access without proper identification or authentication. Attackers can then access sensitive areas or information, plant monitoring devices, or conduct further attacks from within the secured area. To mitigate tailgating risks, organizations should enforce strict security policies, such as requiring identification at all access points, implementing multi-factor authentication, and educating employees about the risk of tailgating and the importance of maintaining a security-conscious mindset.
Guide: Tailgating in CompTIA Security Plus
Importance: Tailgating, also known as 'piggybacking', is a critical security concern in both physical and cyber security environments. Understanding this concept is crucial as it exposes the susceptibility of organizations to simple yet effective unauthorized entry tactics, both physically and electronically.
Definition: Tailgating involves an unauthorized individual following an authorized individual into a restricted area or system. In the context of cyber security, it could also refer to an unapproved entity gaining access to restricted network zones by following an approved entity.
Working: Tailgating works on the premise of exploiting the human element of security. It involves techniques like social manipulation, deceit or simply waiting for an opportunity to follow someone into a secure area or system. In the cyber context, tailgating could involve strategies like email phishing where the attacker tricks a user into revealing their login credentials.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Tailgating: When addressing exam questions on tailgating:
Understand the definition and working of tailgating in both physical and cyber contexts.
Recognize its implications on overall system security.
Understand preventive measures like enforcing strict entry protocols, periodic security training and sensitive information handling policies.
Scenario: You are a consultant for a company with a history of tailgating incidents. What is the first step you should take in addressing this security risk?
Question 2
Scenario: You are the security manager at your company. Recently you observed an employee holding the door open for a delivery person, allowing them to enter a restricted area without proper identification. What action should you take?
Question 3
Scenario: You have implemented a new access control system that requires swiping an ID badge to gain entry to secure areas. You've noticed a group of employees entering together after one swipes their badge. What would be the best solution to mitigate this tailgating risk?
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