Piggybacking vs. Tailgating

Attribute	Piggybacking	Tailgating
Definition	Unauthorized access to a secure area by following closely behind someone with legitimate access.	Unauthorized access to a secure area by closely following an authorized person through a secure door or gate.
Risk Level	Low to Medium	Low to Medium
Prevention	Use of access control systems, security guards, and awareness training.	Use of access control systems, security guards, and awareness training.
Commonly Seen in	Office buildings, airports, and other secure facilities.	Office buildings, parking garages, and other secure facilities.

Definition

Piggybacking and tailgating are both terms used to describe unauthorized access to a secure area by following closely behind someone who has legitimate access. Piggybacking involves someone gaining access to a restricted area by closely following an authorized person through a secure door. Tailgating, on the other hand, refers to the act of an unauthorized person following an authorized person through a secure entrance without proper authentication.

Security Risks

Both piggybacking and tailgating pose significant security risks to organizations. By allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to secure areas, organizations are putting sensitive information, assets, and personnel at risk. In the case of piggybacking, the unauthorized individual may be able to enter a secure area undetected, potentially causing harm or stealing valuable information. Similarly, tailgating can lead to unauthorized individuals gaining access to restricted areas, compromising the security of the organization.

Prevention Measures

There are several measures that organizations can take to prevent piggybacking and tailgating. One common prevention measure is the use of access control systems, such as keycards or biometric scanners, to restrict entry to secure areas. These systems require individuals to authenticate their identity before gaining access, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized entry. Additionally, organizations can implement security policies that require employees to challenge individuals who are attempting to piggyback or tailgate, further reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Technological Solutions

Advancements in technology have also led to the development of innovative solutions to prevent piggybacking and tailgating. For example, some organizations have implemented video surveillance systems that can detect when multiple individuals are attempting to enter a secure area at the same time. These systems can alert security personnel to the potential threat and allow them to take appropriate action to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, some access control systems now include features such as facial recognition technology, which can help to verify the identity of individuals before granting them access to a secure area.

Human Factors

Despite the availability of technological solutions, human factors play a significant role in the prevention of piggybacking and tailgating. Employees must be trained to recognize and challenge individuals who are attempting to gain unauthorized access to secure areas. This training should include information on the potential risks associated with piggybacking and tailgating, as well as the importance of following security protocols to protect the organization's assets and personnel. By raising awareness among employees and encouraging a culture of security, organizations can reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access through piggybacking and tailgating.

Legal Implications

In addition to the security risks posed by piggybacking and tailgating, there may also be legal implications for organizations that fail to prevent unauthorized access to secure areas. Depending on the nature of the breach and the potential harm caused, organizations may face fines, lawsuits, or other legal consequences for allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to restricted areas. By implementing robust security measures and enforcing strict access control policies, organizations can mitigate the legal risks associated with piggybacking and tailgating.