Tailgating attacks, also called piggybacking, happen when someone without permission follows an authorized person into a secure area. This can occur in offices, warehouses, and other restricted places. It might seem like a small issue, but it can cause serious security problems. Even one mistake can give intruders the chance to steal information, damage property, or access confidential data.
Training employees to spot and stop these attempts is one of the most important security best practices a company can adopt.
What Tailgating Attacks Look Like
Tailgating is a type of physical security breach that targets people instead of systems. Instead of hacking into networks, the attacker uses a social engineering attack to trick employees into giving them access without proper verification. They may walk closely behind someone and slip through the door without scanning a badge. They might even carry something heavy to make others more likely to hold the door open. Many people believe that someone who looks like they belong must have permission to be there. That false sense of trust is exactly what tailgaters use to their advantage.
For those wondering what is tailgating in cyber security, it refers to this same tactic in the context of protecting sensitive systems and confidential information. An intruder may gain physical access to a server room or office space, which can then be used to compromise networks, steal confidential data, or damage equipment.
Why People Allow Tailgating
If employees understand why tailgating happens, they can better avoid it. Common reasons include:
- Politeness – People do not want to seem rude by refusing entry.
- Distraction – Phones, conversations, or work tasks can make someone forget to follow security protocols.
- Familiarity – Seeing the same person around can lead to assumptions that they belong there.
- Social pressure – Employees may feel uncomfortable questioning a confident stranger.
Effective employee training can address these reasons directly so staff members know how to respond when they encounter a potential physical security threat.
Make Security Awareness Part of the Culture
Training should begin with explaining why tailgating is dangerous and how it could harm the company. Real examples can help. For instance, an intruder could walk into a server room and connect an unauthorized device, bypassing access control systems. They could then steal confidential data or damage expensive equipment.
Remind employees that everyone plays a role in protecting the workplace and that physical security measures are just as important as digital safeguards. When security becomes a shared responsibility, people are more likely to follow the rules.
Teach Simple Ways to Verify Access
One of the most effective habits is to verify that everyone entering a secure area has permission. This does not mean being unfriendly. It means staying alert and following established security policies. Employees can:
- Ask to see an access badge if they do not recognize the person.
- Direct visitors to the reception area where security personnel can verify their credentials.
- Avoid holding the door for someone who is not scanning their own badge.
Role-playing these situations during employee training can make it easier for staff to enforce physical security measures with confidence.
Use Clear Reminders and Consistent Rules
People are more likely to follow security steps when they are reminded often. Signs at entry points with short messages like “Use Your Badge to Enter” can reinforce the habit. Rules should apply to everyone, regardless of their position, to maintain the integrity of access control systems. When employees see that managers and executives follow the same security policies, they are more likely to take them seriously.
Practice With Drills
Security training should not stop at theory. Occasional tailgating drills can help test how well employees remember their training. For example, a trusted staff member could try to enter without scanning a badge and see if anyone notices.
Afterward, provide feedback so people know what they did well and what needs improvement. These drills can also test the effectiveness of security systems like biometric scanners, surveillance cameras, and multi-factor authentication solutions.
Make It Safe to Report Concerns
Employees may hesitate to report suspicious behavior if they fear making a mistake. Training should encourage people to speak up without worrying about being wrong. Managers can support this by thanking staff who report concerns, offering anonymous ways to report, and reminding everyone that caution is better than regret.
Security personnel should be ready to respond quickly when a report comes in, using monitoring systems and video surveillance to investigate.
Use Technology as Backup
While training is essential, technology can make it harder for tailgaters to succeed. Companies can use:
- Turnstiles or biometric access control that allow only one person at a time.
- Security cameras and surveillance cameras for continuous monitoring.
- Access logs from monitoring systems to track who entered and when.
- Biometric scanners for identity verification.
- Multi-factor authentication for critical systems and areas.
Technology should support employee awareness, not replace it. Combining physical security measures with digital safeguards creates a stronger defense.
Keep Training Regular
One training session is not enough. Over time, people may forget the steps, or new employees may not know them. Security refreshers should be part of ongoing training. Short sessions or quick videos can keep the information fresh.
When these security best practices are reinforced regularly, they become part of daily behavior and reduce the risk of a physical security threat.
Conclusion
Tailgating attacks are easy for intruders to attempt, but can cause serious harm. The strongest defense is a well-trained team that follows security protocols and uses both awareness and technology. Combining access control systems, biometric scanners, security cameras, and clear security policies with ongoing employee training helps prevent physical security breaches and protects confidential information.
