Tailgating attacks use social engineering tactics to exploit security gaps in order to steal data, install malware, or damage company property. An attacker would follow an authorized individual into a secured area while acting as their delivery driver or vendor posing as visitors in order to gain entry and steal it all for themselves.
Many security threats lead to compromised accounts or theft of intellectual property, leading to financial loss and reputational harm for your organization. Luckily, strong physical security measures like turnstiles and biometric scanners can protect businesses against both digital and physical risks.
Pretending to be a Delivery Driver
Attackers posing as delivery drivers often ask those in front of them to hold open the door so that they can enter. Claiming they are delivering something, it can be easy for victims to fall for such schemes.
Tailgating is a social engineering tactic used to gain entry to sensitive areas without setting off alarms, in order to steal data, install malware, or damage property. Although these types of attacks can take place across industries, healthcare facilities are especially susceptible due to storing sensitive patient information like patient records – this breach could cause identity theft and medical fraud for patients storing this data at these facilities.
Employees at all levels within an organization need to recognize the risks posed by tailgating attacks, so cybersecurity awareness training should be an integral part of every company. Such programs teach employees about cyber security practices like password protection and phishing scam avoidance as well as physical security protocols like locking doors when leaving work and requiring ID badge swipes when entering and exiting secure areas.
Companies using biometric authentication methods for entry are especially susceptible to tailgating attacks because these systems can be easily fooled by someone following closely behind an authorized person. When this occurs, attackers typically attempt to blend into their surroundings and appear unnoticed by dressing similarly or carrying items that make them look as though they belong. They’ll take advantage of other people’s kindness by asking them to open doors for them – also known as tailgating attacks.
Utilising accessible areas as vantage points is another common tactic in tailgating attacks. For instance, attackers often lurk around smoking areas dressed as other employees and wait until an unsuspecting employee returns after taking a cigarette break; then when they reenter, the attacker walks closely behind them as soon as they re-enter. This type of attack exploits people’s tendency for complacency during informal situations like taking a cigarette break.
Pretending to be an Employee
Tailgating attacks and piggybacking attempts pose just as great a risk to modern businesses as ransomware or malware attacks, drawing much media coverage. Both tactics involve social engineering attacks involving unapproved individuals following legitimate employees into secure areas without their permission, and following them into secure spaces without their knowledge or consent. Although seemingly harmless at first, such incidents could lead to data spying, intellectual property theft and other serious consequences.
An attacker can launch this type of attack easily by simply imitating employees themselves, donning uniforms and hanging around break areas where employees might meet, striking up conversations with employees to appear more credible, or asking someone in charge to hold open the doors on their behalf if they forget their IDs.
Impersonating a delivery driver is another popular tactic used by attackers. Since these professionals typically wear branded clothing and carry packages, it makes their fake request seem more believable to employees who may unwittingly grant access. Props such as boxes or food can further boost an attacker’s appearance and increase chances of unknowingly providing access.
Tailgating attacks are particularly devastating as they often target large companies with multiple floors and many employees, as well as specific areas like data centers. Without being detected by security, an assailant could gain entry to these sensitive servers and install malicious code or tamper with sensitive servers without detection – potentially leading to malware installations or altering servers that contain sensitive information.
Organizations can ward off social engineering attacks by regularly reviewing security protocols and training employees to be vigilant during daily duties. Employees should also be encouraged to report any suspicious behavior immediately so it can be investigated and addressed, while it’s advisable for organizations to place security cameras near entrance(s). Doing this allows organizations to capture footage of suspicious activity that can help identify any perpetrators after the fact.
Pretending to be a Stranger
Under a tailgating attack, an attacker poses as an unknown individual to avoid detection when following an authorized employee into restricted areas. They rely on people being courteous enough to hold open doors for them as a tactic that allows them to gain entry without security detection and steal valuable data.
Impersonating a delivery driver is the ideal method for this type of attack, since wearing branded clothing and carrying packages that look like deliveries won’t alert employees to their presence in secure areas. When deployed against employees in this manner, attackers can strike up conversations or use familiarity as leverage against them; for example, Colin Greenless used this tactic successfully against multiple floors and the data room of an FTSE-listed financial firm to gain entry.
Physical security measures such as biometric scanners or turnstiles are designed to deter tailgating attacks. While such security measures can be highly effective at stopping such incidents from taking place, companies should encourage employees to be extra vigilant about checking who they’re following closely and challenging anyone suspicious for credentials before informing a security team member immediately.
Tailgating attacks are highly dangerous for organizations. They can result in unauthorized access, data breaches, equipment theft and the disclosure of confidential customer or employee data – not to mention interfering with operations and costing the company money in damages.
Tailgating attacks are easily preventable by raising awareness, encouraging vigilance and taking measures to strengthen both physical and cyber security measures. You can start by implementing basic cybersecurity best practices – for instance encrypting all sensitive data – as a foundational step.
Although no security system can completely safeguard against tailgating attacks, you can strengthen your company’s defenses and safeguard priceless assets by improving its security posture. Amaxra security experts offer help in strengthening these defenses against social engineering risks by conducting assessments and installing preventative systems to guard against threats to your company. We’re Microsoft gold partners and can offer expert assessments as well as cutting-edge tools designed to secure businesses like yours.
Pretending to be a Guest
Tailgating is a form of attack whereby an assailant masquerades as a guest or visitor who follows an employee or security guard into a restricted area. It often takes place at conferences or large events where many attendees pass through entrance points into buildings, creating confusion and distraction that makes it easier for an attacker to bypass security measures; hiding amongst crowds may help them go undetected by security staff.
Physical security systems such as photosensors, laser sensors and mantraps may limit how many people enter restricted zones at once; however, determined fraudsters will find ways around these measures. An employee might fall for convincing someone else that holding the door or lending out badges would grant access to sensitive areas.
Common tactics employed by attackers involve pretending they have their hands full or are otherwise rushed when approaching a door, hoping that common courtesy will prompt those on the other side to allow them entry first. Furthermore, attackers could try stealing the victim’s ID or device credentials in order to gain entry to sensitive areas like data centers by impersonating someone who already logged on as someone they can impersonate.
Once inside, an attacker can engage in any number of illegal activities – from theft and vandalism to altering machinery – depending on the size of their organization and gaining access to confidential data that could result in serious repercussions.
Gaining physical access to a device allows an attacker to bypass software-based security defenses and add malicious software or components that could lead to cyberattacks, potentially crippling important machines or services such as data centers or power plants.
Employees can help address this threat by becoming informed about its risks and being an active component of security. Employees should never hold open the door for anyone, challenge anyone without an ID badge trying to gain entry and report any suspicious activity to security personnel immediately.
