What is Tailgating?

Understanding Tailgating

A method of unauthorized access to a facility by following an authorized person through a secure entrance. Tailgating also called piggybacking is a physical security breach where an unauthorized individual gains access to a restricted area by closely following an authorized person who has legitimately entered often taking advantage of politeness or social engineering to avoid using proper credentials. This simple but effective attack bypasses physical access controls entirely. Tailgating prevention is addressed in physical security standards like ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53 PE controls. Organizations prevent tailgating through security awareness training physical security controls like turnstiles mantraps security guards and badging policies. For example a data center might implement anti-tailgating measures including mantrap doors where only one person can enter at a time biometric authentication in addition to access cards security cameras monitoring all entrances security guards checking badges and regular employee training on the risks of holding doors open for others. Related terms Physical security Piggybacking Social engineering Mantrap Access control Security awareness Physical penetration testing Badge policy Restricted area.