Table of contents
- What is tailgating: meaning and definition
- Who are tailgaters: the intruder among us
- Practical example of a tailgating attack
- Tailgating and cyber security: a direct link
- Why tailgating works: psychology and habits
- How to prevent a tailgating attack
- Tailgating and regulations: what the law says
- When safety fails: real accidents
In this blog we talk about cyber security, and as a result we are used to talking about malware, phishing, ransomware and other sophisticated digital attacks. However, there are social engineering techniques that exploit much more “physical” but equally dangerous vulnerabilities. One of these is tailgating.
In this article we will delve into what tailgating is, the meaning of the term, who the tailgaters are and how this type of attack can seriously compromise the security of information and company structures.
We will provide concrete examples, analyze prevention methods and offer a complete overview of how organizations can effectively protect themselves from this insidious threat. Tailgating can lead to security breaches, data theft and compromised IT systems, despite being a “low-tech” and seemingly harmless attack.
What is tailgating: meaning and definition
The term tailgating comes from the English verb to tailgate, which means “to stick to the vehicle in front”, as in traffic.
Translated into the context of computer and physical security, what is tailgating? It is a technique of unauthorized intrusion into a restricted area, pretending to be authorized or taking advantage of the access of a legitimate employee.
Physically enters a building or a protected area by closely following an authorized person who opens a security door, often without being stopped or checked.
Example
When someone holds a door open “out of courtesy” for a stranger, ignoring security measures.
It is therefore a type of attack related to human behavior, belonging to the family of social engineering attacks. Tailgating may seem trivial, but its consequences can be disastrous.
Who are tailgaters: the intruder among us
Who are tailgaters? They are not always hackers or cybercriminals in the traditional sense. They can be:
- Internal employees with malicious intent, such as disgruntled or corrupt individuals.
- Unauthorized visitors, such as suppliers, fake technicians, couriers or consultants.
- Professional external actors, trained to overcome physical barriers through deception.
- Random attackers, who take advantage of a favorable situation to gain access to a protected area.
In many cases, the tailgater may be dressed professionally, wearing a counterfeit badge, or simply appearing to be a “normal” person, thus reducing the perception of risk by security personnel or employees.
Practical example of a tailgating attack
Imagine this: In a large company, an authorized employee enters a building with his badge, passing through the turnstile. Right behind him, a person with a package queues up, saying: “Sorry, I forgot my badge, but I have this urgent delivery for the IT department”. The employee, in good faith, opens the door for him.
This is a security breach . If the second party is a tailgater, they can easily gain access to sensitive offices, steal information , tamper with computer systems, or install eavesdropping devices.
Another scenario: A fake network technician shows up in overalls and a tool bag, pretending to be there for a job. No one checks his badge. The man walks into a server room, places an infected USB stick, and leaves. That’s it.
Tailgating and cyber security: a direct link
While tailgating is, in effect, a physical intrusion, its digital repercussions can be very serious. The reason is simple: corporate buildings contain critical IT systems and infrastructure. Once inside, an attacker may be able to:
- access unlocked workstations;
- connect malicious devices to USB ports;
- steal sensitive data from servers or paper archives;
- listen to confidential conversations;
- place keyloggers or microcameras;
- install remote control software.
In essence, a tailgating attack can become an entry point for complex cyber attacks. In high-security contexts – banks, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies – the consequences can range up to the theft of intellectual property or sabotage.
Why tailgating works: psychology and habits
One reason tailgating can still be effective is human psychology. We tend to be polite, especially in work environments where trust between colleagues is high. Holding a door open, avoiding “embarrassing” someone who seems legitimate, and assuming that “someone will know” are common mistakes.
Additionally, many companies fail to adequately train their staff on physical security risks, focusing only on passwords and software. This lack of awareness is a weakness that tailgaters regularly exploit.
How to prevent a tailgating attack
To combat tailgating, it is essential to adopt a mix of physical security measures, technologies and continuous training. Here are some best practices:
- “One person at a time” access control
Entrance gates must allow access to one individual at a time, via badge, PIN or biometrics. - Turnstiles with presence sensors
They can detect when more than one person enters with a single access. - Staff training
Everyone should know that you never open a door to a stranger. Even if they seem friendly or professional. - Visible and verifiable badges
Each visitor must be registered, identified and accompanied. - Presence of security personnel trained to identify suspicious behavior.
- Intelligent video surveillance systems with facial recognition or motion tracking.
- Unauthorized access alarms
In case someone tries to pass through a gate without authorization. - Safety culture
Promoting collective responsibility, where every employee feels an active part in protecting the organization.
Tailgating and regulations: what the law says
In the European context, the protection of sensitive information is also regulated by the GDPR. If tailgating allows an intruder to steal personal information, the company can be held liable for a data breach. This can lead to significant financial penalties and reputational damage.
Additionally, in regulated environments (e.g. healthcare, finance, government), physical security of premises is often an integral part of audits and certifications. Ignoring the risk of tailgating can invalidate compliance policies.
When safety fails: real accidents
In 2018, a German physical security consultancy demonstrated how easy it is to gain access to financial companies simply by pretending to be a supplier. In less than 3 days, 5 “tailgaters” managed to enter 12 locations without showing credentials.
Another well-known case dates back to 2021, when a rogue employee allowed an accomplice to enter , who stole data from a data center in California. The whole thing happened in less than 10 minutes, taking advantage of the absence of access control personnel.
These examples highlight how easy it can be to breach even protected facilities if cyber security is not integrated with physical security.
In essence…
Tailgating, although simple and often overlooked, can lead to serious compromises of corporate systems. It is one of the most insidious social engineering attacks, because it exploits human behavior and mutual trust within organizations.
Understanding what tailgating is , who the tailgaters are, how they operate, and why they are effective is the first step in building robust defenses. Only a combination of technology, training, and attention to detail can prevent a simple gesture of courtesy from turning into a major data theft.
Questions and answers
- Tailgating what is it in simple words?
It is a technique by which an intruder physically gains access to a protected area by closely following an authorized person, without permission. - 2. What is the meaning of tailgating in cyber security?
It is a physical attack that exploits human behavior to gain unauthorized access to restricted facilities, potentially impacting computer systems. - Who are tailgaters?
They are people who attempt to enter protected spaces without authorization, often pretending to be legitimate. - How do you prevent tailgating?
With one-person gates, badges, smart turnstiles, employee training, and vigilant security personnel. - Can tailgating be considered a cyber attack?
Yes, if it allows physical access to computer systems with the intent to compromise them. - Which companies are most at risk of tailgating?
Those with large numbers of employees, high visitor traffic, or a poor physical security culture. - Is tailgating a crime?
Yes. Unauthorized access to private property can be a criminal offense. - Can technology be used to combat tailgating?
Yes, through sensors, electronic badges, biometric turnstiles and video surveillance. - Can tailgating happen in small offices?
Absolutely. Even small organizations need to have minimal access control measures in place. - How does tailgating relate to GDPR regulations?
If it results in a breach of personal data, the company is liable and can face fines.
