Tailgating Attack

In cybersecurity there are always new and various method of cyber attack, one way to be able and defend ourself from those attacks is awareness for ourself and for our team or organizations. One such threat that often goes unnoticed is the tailgating attack. Understanding what it entails and how to mitigate its risks is crucial for maintaining the integrity of organizational security protocols.

What is a Tailgating Attack?

A tailgating attack, also known as piggybacking, occurs when an unauthorized individual gains physical access to a restricted area by following closely behind an authorized person. This exploit takes advantage of human behavior and social engineering tactics rather than relying on technical vulnerabilities. In essence, the attacker bypasses security measures by blending in with legitimate personnel. sounds simple right? however I can promise you this attack is very versatile and unexpected, security holes in various situations can be used with this attack and results with untold damage.

In a typical tailgating scenario, the attacker waits near secure entry points, such as doors with access control systems or turnstiles. When an authorized person swipes their access card or enters a PIN to unlock the door, the attacker seizes the opportunity to slip in behind them, exploiting the momentary lapse in security. Other similar scenarios are in which temporary codes (OTP) or auth links with expiration dates that leave room for hacker to tailgating a token that still “alive” with permission and authorization to perform actions.

Difference between Tailgating Piggybacking

Tailgating and piggybacking are terms often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences in their meanings:

Feature	Tailgating	Piggybacking
Definition	Unauthorized individual closely follows behind an authorized person to gain entry.	Unauthorized individual physically accompanies an authorized person without their knowledge or consent to gain entry.
Method	Exploits legitimate access credentials of the authorized person (e.g., access card, PIN code).	Involves directly accompanying the authorized person through a secure entry point without presenting valid credentials.
Intent	Exploits human behavior and social engineering tactics to bypass security measures.	Relies on stealth and deception to evade detection and gain unauthorized access.
Example	Attacker follows closely behind an employee as they swipe their access card to unlock a door.	Attacker pretends to be part of a group or blends in with legitimate personnel to enter a secure building unnoticed.

While both tailgating and piggybacking involve unauthorized individuals gaining physical access to restricted areas, the distinction lies in the specific methods used and the level of awareness or consent of the authorized person. Tailgating typically involves exploiting a momentary lapse in security, while piggybacking relies on duped employee, stealth and deception to evade detection altogether.

Mitigating Tailgating Risks

Preventing tailgating attacks requires a multi-faceted approach that combines physical security measures, employee awareness training, and technological solutions. Here are some strategies to mitigate the risks:

Implement Access Controls
Deploy robust access control systems, such as badge readers, biometric scanners, or mantraps, to restrict unauthorized entry to sensitive areas. Regularly review and update access permissions to ensure only authorized personnel have access.

Employee Education and Awareness
Conduct regular security awareness training sessions to educate employees about the risks of tailgating and the importance of adhering to security protocols. Encourage a culture of vigilance and empower employees to challenge unfamiliar individuals attempting to gain access.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Physical Barriers and Deterrents
Install physical barriers such as turnstiles, revolving doors, or security guards to deter unauthorized entry. Consider implementing tailgating detection technologies, such as video analytics or infrared sensors, to identify and alert security personnel of suspicious behavior.

Who At Risk Of Tailgating?

let’s try and frame few places that ae most vulnerable to tailgating attacks, those are just framing so you could see if your business is susceptible to those risks.

1. Corporate Offices: Companies with office buildings often have access control systems in place to restrict entry to authorized personnel. However, the busy nature of corporate environments, especially during peak hours, can make it easier for unauthorized individuals to slip in unnoticed behind legitimate employees.
2. Data Centers: Data centers house valuable and sensitive information, making them prime targets for physical security breaches. Tailgating attacks can occur at entry points to data centers, where unauthorized individuals attempt to gain access to servers and networking equipment.
3. Government Facilities: Government buildings, such as courthouses, municipal offices, and military installations, require stringent security measures to protect classified information and public safety. Despite these measures, tailgating attacks remain a concern due to the high volume of foot traffic and the potential for lapses in vigilance.
4. Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and medical centers store confidential patient records and sensitive medical equipment, making them attractive targets for unauthorized access. Tailgating attacks can occur at entrances to restricted areas, such as laboratories, pharmacies, and administrative offices.
5. Financial Institutions: Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions are responsible for safeguarding customer assets and sensitive financial data. Tailgating attacks pose a significant risk in these environments, where access to cash vaults, ATMs, and secure server rooms must be tightly controlled.
6. Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities face security challenges due to the large number of students, faculty, and visitors accessing campus facilities. Tailgating attacks can occur at entrances to academic buildings, dormitories, and research laboratories, compromising student safety and academic integrity.
7. Critical Infrastructure: Facilities such as power plants, water treatment plants, and transportation hubs are critical to the functioning of society and the economy. Tailgating attacks targeting these facilities can disrupt essential services and pose a threat to public safety.

There are few more examples where the risk of tailgating is high that are not in the list above. for example a company with high employee turnover, Particularly susceptible are businesses with frequent employee movement in and out of the premises, as constant flux can create opportunities for unauthorized individuals to blend in unnoticed. Business or a company with numerous entryways: Facilities with multiple entry points are vulnerable, as the sheer volume of access points increases the likelihood of unauthorized entry and makes monitoring more challenging. lacking comprehensive training, Businesses where employees are not adequately trained in physical and cybersecurity protocols are at risk, as gaps in awareness and understanding may result in lax adherence to security measures, leaving the organization vulnerable to exploitation. employing subcontractors, Organizations utilizing subcontractors face heightened risks, as the presence of third-party workers adds complexity to security protocols and increases the potential for breaches. a place which receiving regular deliveries: Entities that regularly receive deliveries of various items, such as food, packages, and documents, are at risk, as the influx of external personnel provides opportunities for unauthorized individuals to tailgate.

Cases of Tailgating

Case 1: Twitter Hack (2020)

In July 2020, a major security breach occurred on the social media platform Twitter. Hackers gained unauthorized access to the accounts of high-profile individuals and companies, including Barack Obama, Elon Musk, and Apple, among others. The attackers orchestrated a sophisticated social engineering attack, leveraging a combination of phishing emails and tailgating. According to reports, the hackers posed as members of Twitter’s IT department and contacted employees working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They convinced the employees to provide their credentials over the phone, allowing the attackers to bypass security measures and gain access to internal systems. The breach resulted in the unauthorized posting of tweets soliciting Bitcoin payments, causing widespread disruption and raising concerns about the security of social media platforms. In here the attack was a combination of tailgating and social engineering

Case 2: Bank of America Data Center (2008)

In 2008, a group of cybercriminals executed a daring heist at a Bank of America data center in Atlanta, Georgia. The attackers, armed with fake uniforms and badges, infiltrated the highly secure facility by tailgating behind an employee who was entering the building. Once inside, the criminals disabled security cameras and alarms, allowing them to access the data center’s server room. They then proceeded to steal computer equipment containing sensitive financial information, including customer account details and transaction records. The breach went undetected for several hours, giving the attackers ample time to carry out their operation. The incident raised concerns about the effectiveness of physical security measures and highlighted the importance of vigilance against tailgating attacks in high-security environments.

Conclusion

Tailgating is mostly a physical real world security breach however it can easily transfer to digital world where things like tokens, identity theft, authorized link all can be used within the method of tailgating. Addressing physical security threats like tailgating attacks is as critical as safeguarding against digital vulnerabilities. By implementing robust access controls, fostering a culture of security awareness, and leveraging technological solutions, organizations can mitigate the risks posed by tailgating and uphold the integrity of their security posture.