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In the world of cyber security, tailgating is not about grilling burgers in a parking lot before a football game. Instead, it is a significant risk for organizations no matter the size or industry.
Have you ever held the door open for someone at work, only to realize later that you had no idea who they were? If so, you may have unknowingly fallen victim to a tailgating attack.
What is Tailgating in Cybersecurity?
Tailgating is when someone follows another person into a place they’re not allowed to be. It’s like sneaking in behind someone who has a key. People do this to steal information or harm computer systems.
Tailgating, also referred to as piggybacking, is one form of a social engineering attack. Not all cyber threats use sophisticated hacking programs or tools. Plenty of hackers exploit basic human nature, and the societal norms of courtesy or trust.
In short, tailgating is when someone takes advantage of your trust or politeness to gain access to something they shouldn’t. It can happen in the physical world, like when someone follows you into a secure area. Or it can happen in the digital world, like when someone uses your logged-in computer to access sensitive information.
The Threats Posed by Tailgating
For small businesses, tailgating can pose a significant security risk. Once inside your network (or location), attackers can steal sensitive information. Or worse, plant malware or cause other damage to the company’s network and systems.
Unauthorized Access
The most immediate risk is unauthorized access. When bad people gain access to restricted areas or sensitive information. Once you have a bad actor inside your walls, the destruction is endless. This can lead to data breaches or theft of intellectual property. Even worse, it can lead to compromised critical infrastructure.
Data Breaches
Once inside, tailgaters can steal data, or install malicious code to the system. This has proven to lead to severe financial and reputational damage for organizations.
Compliance Violation
Tailgating breaches can result in violations of compliance regulations. This can include HIPAA or GDPR, which can lead to hefty fines. In some cases, it can also lead to lost business, as some supply chains require compliance.
Loss of Trust
Beyond the immediate material damage, tailgating can erode trust within an organization. Employees and stakeholders may feel less secure, impacting morale and productivity. Customers may also feel violated or uneasy in working with the organization.
How to Prevent Tailgating Attacks
Preventing tailgating requires a combination of physical and digital security measures. Physical security and cybersecurity protocols along with employee training can go a long way. Here are some strategies:
Security Awareness Training
Educate employees about the risks of tailgating. Explain the importance of challenging unfamiliar individuals in secure areas. Create a culture of security, so employees would never share resources without authorization.
Surveillance and Monitoring
Use surveillance cameras and monitoring systems. Be sure to track access to sensitive areas and detect any unauthorized entries. Beyond the physical world, monitor network traffic and set up automated alerts in case of a breach. This allows for quick action to minimize exposure.
Clear Policies and Procedures
Establish and communicate clear security policies regarding access. This is not just for the IT departments, but for your entire staff to adhere to. Ensure they are consistently enforced, reviewed, and updated.
Strict Access Controls
Implement robust least-privileged access control measures. This could include key cards, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication. In addition, make sure to only give access to users that need it. This will help ensure only authorized individuals can enter secure areas or access sensitive systems.
Incident Response Plans
It is not a matter of if but when. How you respond to an incident can make all difference in the amount of damage you endure. Have a protocol in place to respond to tailgating incidents, among others. This includes identifying and mitigating any damage. In addition, refine security measures to prevent future occurrences.
In general, tailgating is simple, but can be devastating when it comes to cybersecurity. By understanding what tailgating is and the risks organizations can protect themselves. They can implement effective strategies to mitigate tailgating.
