Organizations today must put a great deal of emphasis on their cybersecurity (firewalls, encryption, multi-factor authentication, etc.) However, arguably the least-regarded security is physical security. One of the threats that is usually forgotten is tailgating in cybersecurity; it is easy to understand, but it seriously compromises your security with unauthorized physical entry and a serious security breach.
In this blog, let us understand tailgating in cybersecurity, why it is a physical security risk, and what the way out is, using a security access control system and Corporate Security policy—real-world cases and vulnerability prevention in the security breach.
What is Tailgating in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity Tailgating describes what happens when an unauthorized person trespasses a restricted area by standing behind a legitimate user without proper authentication. While it targets technical people, the attack was a physical security breach that simply avails human trust and overconfidence.
For example, a cybercriminal follows an employee to a secure facility, claiming he is a delivery boy. Accessing security-laden locations, planting malware, siphoning sensitive pieces, or shutting down processes when inside.
Why is Tailgating a Serious Cybersecurity Risk?
Tailgating is a common cybersecurity threat that most people do not even realize. Here’s why it’s one of the biggest dangers:
- Unauthorized Access – Cyber attackers enter secured areas and can then access systems or data.
- Physical security breach – Tailgating happens without technical skills, unlike hacking, but it requires will and manipulation.
- Bypassing Security Access Control Systems – If an organization does not have any of these access control systems in place, i.e., without keycards, biometrics, or turnstiles, keep-off areas, tailgating becomes easier.
- Insider Threats – Content Writer can inadvertently or openly allow unauthorized personnel inside the building, harming the security.
- Compromised Corporate Security Practices – Unintentional and often purposeful tailgating by staff invalidates a number of the typically adopted workplace security policies.
Real-World Examples of Tailgating Events
Example 1 – The Fake Delivery Man
A corporate compound hacker presents himself at the front of the building as a courier carrying a huge package. In this case, an employee opens the door, a falsely credentialed person gets inside, and they gain unsupervised access to an unsecured computer.
Example 2 – Piggybacking in the Datacenter
Tech Firm Data Center, an unauthorized individual who claims to have lost their keycards. An employee prevails and lets them in; no verification is needed, as they pretend to be a sympathetic coworker and go through security clearance levels to grab some IP.
Example 3 – Social Engineering Exposed
A corporate office could enter uninvited by pretending they are the IT repairman. Cybersecurity without physical security tailgating. This allows attackers to be hand-rolled through network-approved employees (thus resulting in large-scale vulnerabilities).
How to Prevent This Common Threat
Cybersecurity tailgating prevention is a combination of technology, security by design, and employee policies. Here are a few go-to things that prevent breaches of security challenges:
1. Introduction to Access Control Systems
- Use secure access control systems (key cards, biometrics, or PIN-based entry) to manage who can view certain areas and the responsibility of non-access security doors.
- Make sure that security doors are not left open for more than a set time period post-authorized entry.
- Put in turnstiles or mantraps that allow only one person at a time.
2. Conduct Employee Awareness Training
- Train your employees to be able to identify and shield themselves or company computer systems from inappropriate entry.
- Inform staff about identity verification at the front of the premises for individuals.
- Always stay updated with the regular updating of your corporate security policies, and other policies should include physical security as well.
3. Enforce Visitor Management Protocols
- Expect all visitors to sign in at reception and show identification.
- Deliver temporary access badges that expire after a set period.
- It is important that guests are always taken care of by the authorized person.
4. Enhance Physical Security Measures
- Put in place physical security breach detection systems, such as CCTV surveillance and motion sensors.
- Hire some security guards to ensure kept track of the coming and going points.
- Schedule irregular security audits to find out valve areas.
5. Promote a Zero-Tolerance Policy
- Imposing penalties on persons in violation of corporate security guidelines.
- Prevent employees from keeping doors open for friends if they know the name.
- Create a security awareness culture by motivating employees to report any violations of security.
6. Utilize Security Awareness Campaigns
- Posters, newsletters, and digital communications to keep a reminder of unauthorized access prevention for employees.
- Have an “attack of social engineering” exercise to test whether your staff is aware of and can react appropriately.
Conclusion
Physical security threat – Tailgating happens in cybersecurity, and results in loss of protection from unauthorized person access, data theft, and operational disruption. Technology is very important in preventing security breaches, however, organizations also need to create an overall secure workplace culture. To ward off one of the lesser-known cybersecurity risks that’s been hiding in plain sight, businesses need to do something: implement access control systems, develop a tough visitor policy, and train employees. Investing in physical security is just as essential as digital security. By taking an offensive approach, organizations can greatly mitigate tailgating risks and secure their assets from potential adversaries.
FAQs
Q1. What is tailgating security in cybersecurity?
Ans – Securing against physical security breaches in cybersecurity refers to tailgating, where an unauthorized person enters the restricted area without any proper authentication by following an authorized person. This form of attack is based on exploiting human behavior, trust, and mistakes instead of technical flaws. It is a security risk for cybersecurity since it can let attackers through secure zones and potentially cause sensitive or system damage.
Q2. What is an example of a tailgating attack?
Ans – One standard example of tailgating assault, the black hat hacker disguises himself as an extensive box carrier and lurks next to the corporate entry. An employee enters and the “delivery person”, out of courtesy, holds the door for them, without closing, which accidentally leaves the security clearance in the building. The adversary can roam through secure parts, focus or steal confidential data after being on premises.
Q3. What is an example of a tailgate?
Ans – For example, a tailgate might look like an employee with an access card going into a secure office while, right behind them and before the door closes again a second individual not logged in follows. Perhaps just the second person plays the employee who left his badge in the car or feigns his/her way into the facility. An example of the security failure within an organization where unauthorized get in attempt has occurred.