Four Ways to Prevent Tailgating Attacks via Social Engineering
Preventing tailgating attacks requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are four ways to boost tailgating security:
1. Physical security training for staff members
An effective security training program encourages attentiveness to physical security threats, including tailgating, as well as how to mitigate them. Holding training all year long is ideal because it reinforces the skills you teach, keeping them top of mind.
2. Educate staff about social engineering
Because many employees lack familiarity with social engineering tactics, they are unable to spot tailgating attacks. Security awareness training programs are a good start, but you can take them a step further by simulating attacks. Exposure to realistic attack scenarios reinforces security awareness.
Another good way to get staff members comfortable with social engineering strategies is through simulated phishing. You can send phishing emails to employees and then assess their awareness by analyzing how they respond. At the very least, these kinds of simulated attacks keep staff members alert and on the watch for suspicious behavior.
3. Increase security for physical access
In many organizations, entrance to the office is provided by a relatively simple device: a smart card. But tailgating attacks demonstrate how inadequate this security mechanism can be. Reception rooms manned by professional security officers add another layer of physical access security. If you do not have the space to establish a reception area, turnstiles are another option because they only permit one person to enter at a time.
Badges are also an inexpensive way to increase access security. Recognizing someone who should not be entering a building or certain area when all authorized personnel and visitors wear badges is easier if the required badge is missing or has someone else’s likeness on it.
4. Use video surveillance
Even with a fully staffed front desk, it can be a challenge to effectively monitor who enters and exits your building and restricted areas. Advanced video surveillance systems incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics so organizations can enhance real-time physical security monitoring. By combining video footage with facial scans of employees, vendors, and contractors, these camera systems can accurately figure out who enters and exits the premises.
