What Is Tailgating? How Unauthorized Access Puts Your Business at Risk

What is Tailgating

Published on January 31, 2025

Post Content: Cybersecurity

Introduction

Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting networks and data—physical security is just as crucial. One of the most overlooked threats to businesses is tailgating, a social engineering tactic where an unauthorized person gains access to a restricted area by following someone with legitimate credentials.

Unlike hacking or phishing, tailgating doesn’t require any technical skills—just deception and human courtesy. Attackers may pose as delivery personnel, contractors, or employees who “forgot their badge”, slipping through security with ease.

Many companies focus on digital threats while ignoring physical security loopholes. However, tailgating can lead to data breaches, insider threats, theft, or even physical harm. In this article, we’ll break down how tailgating works, common attack methods, and how businesses can prevent it.

What Is Tailgating?

Tailgating (also called piggybacking) is a social engineering tactic where an unauthorized person gains access to a restricted building or area by following an authorized individual through a secured entry point.

Unlike cyberattacks that exploit software vulnerabilities, tailgating exploits human nature—trust, politeness, and lack of awareness. Employees hold doors open for strangers out of courtesy, or fail to question someone who “looks official.”

Tailgating attacks can happen anywhere:
Corporate offices – Attackers gain access to company computers and sensitive documents.
Data centers – Unrestricted access can lead to server tampering or data theft.
Warehouses or labs – Criminals can steal inventory, prototypes, or confidential research.
Government or healthcare facilities – Tailgating could lead to privacy violations or national security threats.

How Does Tailgating Work?

A typical tailgating attack follows this process:

1️⃣ The Attacker Identifies a Target – They choose an organization with weak physical security or polite employees.
2️⃣ Creating a Believable Persona – The attacker may dress as a delivery worker, maintenance staff, or a fellow employee.
3️⃣ Waiting for an Opportunity – They stand near an entrance or pretend to be on a phone call to seem less suspicious.
4️⃣ Following an Authorized Person – They walk in right behind an employee or ask someone to hold the door.
5️⃣ Exploiting Access – Once inside, they steal sensitive data, plug in malware-infected USB drives, or scout security weaknesses.

Because many organizations lack strong physical security policies, tailgating is one of the easiest ways for an attacker to breach a business.

Types of Tailgating Attacks

Tailgating attacks vary depending on the environment and the attacker’s objective. Here are some of the most common methods:

1. Employee Courtesy Exploitation

🙋 Example: “Hey, can you hold the door for me? My hands are full!”

Attackers rely on basic human politeness. Employees often hold doors open for strangers without questioning their access rights.

2. Impersonation of Vendors or Maintenance Staff

🚛 Example: “I’m from IT. I need access to the server room to check a network issue.”

Criminals dress as delivery personnel, repair workers, or IT staff, blending in with real employees.

3. Lost Badge Excuse

🎫 Example: “I forgot my ID badge at home—can you let me in?”

This tactic preys on employees’ willingness to help a “colleague” in need. Some attackers even carry fake ID badges to look more legitimate.

4. Following a Large Group

🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Example: Blending in with a crowd entering a building at the same time.

During peak office hours, attackers take advantage of busy entrances with multiple people entering at once, avoiding individual screening.

How to Spot a Tailgating Threat

Identifying a tailgating attack requires awareness and vigilance. Here are key warning signs:

Individuals hovering near entry points – Attackers may loiter near doors, waiting for the right moment.
People not using access credentials – If someone walks in without scanning a badge, it’s a red flag.
Unfamiliar faces in secure areas – Employees should report anyone who doesn’t belong.
Requests to hold the door open – Always verify identities before allowing entry.
Unusual behavior – Attackers may act distracted, nervous, or overly friendly to blend in.

Tailgating Prevention Tips

Preventing tailgating requires both employee awareness and strong security protocols. Here’s how businesses can stay protected:

🔒 Implement Strict Access Control – Use key cards, biometric scanners, or security personnel at all entry points.
👀 Educate Employees – Conduct security awareness training on tailgating risks and prevention.
🚨 Enforce a “No Badge, No Entry” Policy – Everyone, including vendors and guests, must verify their identity.
🎥 Install Security Cameras and Alarms – Surveillance deters unauthorized entry and helps with post-incident investigations.
🚪 Use Turnstiles or Man-Trap Doors – These systems allow only one person at a time to pass through.
Encourage a “Challenging Culture” – Employees should politely question unfamiliar faces instead of assuming they belong.

What to Do If a Tailgating Incident Occurs

If an unauthorized person gains access to your facility, take immediate action:

1️⃣ Notify Security Immediately – Report the individual’s appearance and location.
2️⃣ Review Security Footage – Check CCTV cameras to identify how the breach occurred.
3️⃣ Audit Access Logs – Verify who was authorized to enter and when.
4️⃣ Alert Employees – Inform staff about the incident and reinforce security measures.
5️⃣ Strengthen Security Policies – Update entry procedures to prevent future incidents.

Final Thoughts

Tailgating is a simple yet effective security breach that can have serious consequences for businesses. Whether it’s data theft, corporate espionage, or even workplace violence, unauthorized access is a real threat.

By enforcing strict access control, educating employees, and fostering a security-conscious workplace, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of tailgating attacks.

Want to learn more about other social engineering threats? Check out these related articles:
🔗 What Is Phishing? How to Spot and Prevent Online Scams
🔗 What Is Vishing? How to Prepare for Voice Phishing Scams
🔗 What Is Smishing? How to Spot and Prevent Text Message Scams
🔗 What Is Quishing? How to Spot and Prevent QR Code Scams
🔗 What Is Pretexting? How Cybercriminals Manipulate You Into Giving Up Information

By staying alert, questioning unknown individuals, and enforcing strict security protocols, businesses can stop tailgating before it happens. Stay vigilant and keep your workplace secure! 🚀