Tailgating, also known as “piggybacking,” is a security vulnerability in which an unauthorized person gains access to a restricted area by following someone who has authorized access. In the context of cyber security, tailgating refers to a type of social engineering attack in which an attacker gains access to sensitive information or systems by exploiting trust and impersonating a legitimate user.
For example, an attacker might send an email to an employee claiming to be from the IT department and asking for their password. If the employee provides their password, the attacker can use it to gain access to sensitive information or systems.
To prevent tailgating attacks, organizations should educate their employees about the dangers of social engineering and the importance of verifying the identity of individuals who request sensitive information. Strong password policies and two-factor authentication can also help to prevent tailgating attacks. Additionally, organizations should have well-defined access control policies that specify who is authorized to access sensitive information and systems, and regularly monitor and audit access to these resources to ensure that they are being used properly.