Which of the following best describes piggybacking?
A. The act of stealing someone’s access card to gain access later
B. The act of watching over someone’s shoulder to steal a password for later use
C. The act of following someone through a secured door to gain unauthorized access
D. The act of spoofing someone’s identity to gain unauthorized access
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: C. The act of following someone through a secured door to gain unauthorized access
Explanation (300 words):
Piggybacking is a common physical security breach that occurs when an unauthorized person gains access to a restricted area by closely following an authorized individual. This act typically involves the unauthorized person slipping through a secure door or entrance behind someone who has legitimate access, often without the authorized person’s knowledge or consent.
This type of security lapse often occurs in workplaces, data centers, or buildings that require keycards or biometric scans to enter. For example, an employee swipes their ID card to unlock a door, and as it opens, another person—who either pretends to be an employee or waits nearby—follows them in before the door closes. This is piggybacking. If the person entering the building knowingly allows another to enter without verifying their credentials, this could still be considered a form of piggybacking or “tailgating,” depending on the specific definitions used.
Piggybacking is particularly dangerous because it bypasses technical controls such as authentication systems. Once inside, the unauthorized person may gain access to sensitive information, systems, or areas they are not permitted to be in. It represents a significant risk in terms of physical security, data breaches, and personal safety.
To prevent piggybacking, organizations implement various countermeasures, such as:
- Security awareness training: Employees are trained to recognize and report suspicious behavior.
- Mantraps or turnstiles: These physical barriers ensure that only one person can pass at a time.
- Security guards or surveillance systems: Help monitor and challenge unauthorized entries.
- Access control policies: Require everyone to use their own credentials and not allow tailgating.
Overall, while piggybacking may seem harmless or even courteous (e.g., holding the door open), it can lead to serious security breaches if not properly addressed.