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InsightHorizon Digest

What is tailgating in IT security

Author

Joseph Russell

Updated on March 29, 2026

Tailgating (also known as piggybacking) is one of the most widespread security breaches affecting businesses today and often goes undetected. Tailgating can be simply described as the passage of unauthorised personnel, either forced or accidental, behind that of an authorised user.

What are examples of a tailgating attack?

If an employee spots a person approaching a secured entrance that’s carrying an armful of boxes, the employee might input their access code and then hold the door for an unauthorized person, not realizing that the individual shouldn’t be allowed inside. This is a classic example of a tailgating attack.

Is malware tailgating?

Tailgating attack or piggybacking attack is one of the most common security problems in every organization around the world today. This attack can cause a huge amount of damage to an organization through data breaches, data manipulation or theft, malware attack by the deployment of malicious software, etc.

What is tailgating digital attack?

Tailgating attack is a social engineering attempt by cyber threat actors in which they trick employees into helping them gain unauthorized access into the company premises. The attacker seeks entry into a restricted area where access is controlled by software-based electronic devices.

How do you stop tailgating?

  1. Use the four-second rule. …
  2. If driving conditions are particularly bad, like wet or icy roads, use an even longer following distance.
  3. Maintain a safe speed at all times. …
  4. Use extra caution when approaching intersections, stop lights, and changing lanes.

What technology prevents hackers?

Firewalls. A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that blocks hackers from entering and using your computer. Hackers search the internet the way some telemarketers automatically dial random phone numbers.

How is tailgating done?

Tailgating can range from simply following a person through doors that have access locks to putting on a disguise to trick people into opening that door. … When tailgating, the attacker relies on the other person following common courtesy, either refraining from challenging them or even holding the door.

Why is tailgating bad?

Tailgating is when a driver follows the car in front too closely, literally riding up on its tail. Doing so decreases the amount of time that a driver has to react. … This is very dangerous move and causes needless auto accidents when car drivers lose control or slam into someone’s rear bumper as a result.

What is tailgating piggybacking?

Tailgating represents the situation, when an individual without access authorization closely follows an authorized person in a reserved area. … Piggybacking represents the situation, when someone accesses a reserved area with the permission obtained by deception of an authorized person.

How close is tailgating?

Standard advice for a personal vehicle is to put three seconds of space between itself and all other surrounding vehicles. If a driver is tailgating another vehicle then there is, at best, one second of distance.

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Why should you guard against tailgating?

Tailgating is one of the most common security breaches. … Anti-tailgating strategies ensure only the people meant to be in your building are allowed access – approved users go in, unauthorized people are blocked.

What is another word for tailgating?

doggingfollowingtailingpiggybacking

What are common tailgating methods?

  • Employee education.
  • Ensuring that doors close swiftly and securely.
  • Photo ID presented on entrance.
  • Video surveillance.
  • Smart cards housing multiple credentials.
  • Multifactor authentication.
  • Security guards.
  • Biometrics.

Who started tailgating?

The modern tailgate likely has its roots in college football, first played at College Field in New Brunswick, New Jersey, between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869. Local author-ities insist it was both a fine game and a fine party. The party and its basic elements, though, might have earlier origins.

How can I protect my computer?

  1. Use a firewall. …
  2. Keep all software up to date. …
  3. Use antivirus software and keep it current. …
  4. Make sure your passwords are well-chosen and protected. …
  5. Don’t open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in messages. …
  6. Browse the web safely. …
  7. Stay away from pirated material.

Can antivirus stop hackers?

Yes, antivirus software is a crucial part of protecting our digital security and, ultimately, defending ourselves against hackers. … It stops hackers by identifying threats like viruses and malware so that the user and the system can take action against a threat that they might not have known about otherwise.

Is my bank account safe from hackers?

Your bank account is one of the most important things in your life to protect from hackers. Without strong cybersecurity, you could end up losing money and critical personal data. If you haven’t given your online bank accounts a security checkup, now’s the time.

Is tailgating a citation?

Tailgating is generally a traffic infraction with penalties comparable to a speeding or stop sign ticket. In other words, you’ll probably be looking at a fine and demerit points on your driving record for a conviction. But, in certain circumstances, it might be worth fighting a tailgating ticket in traffic court.

What does no tailgating mean?

Tailgating is the action of a driver driving behind another vehicle while not leaving sufficient distance to stop without causing a collision if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. … When following heavy vehicles or in less than ideal conditions (e.g. low light or rain), a longer distance is recommended.

What is the opposite of outpatient?

Main entry: outpatient Definition: a patient who does not reside in the hospital where he is being treated. Antonyms: inmate, inpatient.

What is the opposite of lengthwise?

running lengthwise. Antonyms: crosswise. lying or extending across the length of a thing or in a cross direction. cross, thwartwise, transversal, transverse. extending or lying across; in a crosswise direction; at right angles to the long axis.

Who prevents tailgating?

  • Managing Access Control. One of the most efficient ways of mitigating tailgating risks is to install appropriate access control systems and manage them methodically — a suitable solution as such is turnstiles. …
  • Video Surveillance. …
  • Visitor Credentials. …
  • Build a Culture for Security.

What is pretexting in cyber security?

Pretexting is an attack in which the attacker creates a scenario to try and convince the victim to give up valuable information, such as a password.

Why is tailgating so popular?

Why It’s Only Getting More Popular Part of the reason tailgating has the potential to grow even more popular is because of its accessibility. Literally anyone can participate in a tailgate party, seeing that up to 35 percent of tailgaters never even go inside the stadium.

What is a tailgate called?

another name for tailboard. a door at the rear of a hatchback vehicle.

What percentage of accidents are caused by tailgating?

National Averages. On average, 14 out of every 10,000 drivers nationwide have a prior citation for tailgating. In addition, 33.0 percent of car collisions are rear-end impacts, according to data gathered in 2017 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).