Tailgating is a social engineering attack when an unauthorized person follows an employee into a restricted area. The most common form of tailgating attack involves sneaking behind an authorized person in a prohibited place.
Tailgating attacks pose a significant threat to the security of both organizations and individuals. Implementing appropriate security measures reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
In a tailgating attack, the unauthorized person takes advantage of the natural inclination to hold the door open for others or the reluctance to confront someone who appears to belong in the restricted area. By blending in and appearing legitimate, the attacker gains entry to the restricted area without arousing suspicion.
An attacker may use tailgating to breach an organization's network and gain access to private documents, which can then be used to launch a cyberattack on the company, one that can cost millions of dollars. Once inside, the perpetrator may use a device to steal confidential data, access the company's network, or even infect an unlocked computer with malware.
Unlike traditional hacking methods that exploit software vulnerabilities, tailgating attacks rely on social engineering and human vulnerability.
According to Fortinet, “Tailgating can be followed by other kinds of attacks, such as malware or phishing. In some cases, attackers penetrate a network via tailgating to gain the trust of people they intend to victimize. In other words, a tailgating attack is usually only the first phase of a more elaborate assault.”
See more: HIPAA violation prevention: What is tailgating?
Any organization or business that operates in a secure environment is at risk of tailgating attacks. Some common characteristics of organizations vulnerable to these attacks include:
Organizations need to be proactive in implementing security measures to prevent and mitigate the risks associated with tailgating attacks.
Related: Why do cyberattacks happen?
Tailgating attackers employ various techniques to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas. Some common tactics used in tailgating attacks include:
Read also: What is cyber extortion in healthcare?
Preventing tailgating attacks requires a combination of physical security measures, employee training, and awareness. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your organization:
Invest in access control systems that require authentication, such as key cards, biometric scanners, or PIN codes. These systems make it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain entry and provide an audit trail for tracking access.
Ensure that all entrances and exits are secured and that doors automatically close and lock after use. Install surveillance cameras and alarms as additional deterrents.
Educate employees about the risks of tailgating attacks and the importance of not allowing unauthorized individuals into restricted areas. Train them to identify suspicious behavior and report any incidents or concerns.
Promote a culture of vigilance and encourage employees to challenge individuals without proper identification or those attempting to gain access without authorization. Make it clear that security is everyone's responsibility.
Establish clear protocols for managing visitors, including issuing visitor badges and escorting visitors at all times. Regularly review and update these procedures to address any vulnerabilities.
Regularly assess your physical security measures to identify weaknesses and make necessary improvements. Stay updated on the latest security technologies and best practices.
Regularly review access logs and analyze them for any suspicious patterns or anomalies. This can help identify potential tailgating incidents and allow for appropriate action to be taken.
Create a culture where security is prioritized and valued. Encourage employees to promptly report any security concerns or incidents, and reward proactive security behaviors.
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
Tailgating in healthcare security refers to the act of an unauthorized person gaining physical access to a secure area by following closely behind an authorized person. This can compromise the safety and privacy of patients and sensitive information.
Tailgating is a big security concern because it can lead to unauthorized access to restricted areas, putting patient data, medical records, and sensitive information at risk. It can also pose physical safety threats to patients and staff.
Healthcare facilities can prevent tailgating by implementing strict access control policies, using security guards, installing turnstiles or mantraps, and educating staff about the importance of challenging unknown individuals attempting to enter secure areas.
Tailgating can impact HIPAA compliance by increasing the risk of unauthorized access to protected health information (PHI). Ensuring secure access to sensitive areas is necessary for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI as required by HIPAA.