Tailgating: What Is It and How Can You Mitigate This Risk?

Business security is paramount for protecting critical data, customer information, and workers' and visitors' well-being. A significant part of ensuring a secure business premise is understanding the different risks and how they occur to help you develop effective strategies to mitigate security breaches.

Among the common physical security threats in business is tailgating. Discover what tailgating is, how this breach occurs, and tips to reduce the occurrence & impact of tailgating.

What Is Tailgating?

Tailgating—also known as piggybacking—occurs when unauthorized persons gain access to secured areas by following an authorized person through the entrance. Tailgating can also happen when the authentic user fails to close and lock the door after entering, which allows unapproved persons access to the area.

Tailgating is a major security breach that can lead to severe consequences, such as theft or vandalism. This breach can also lead to a data breach if the premises contain sensitive information and documents.

Suppose you run a hospital and an unauthorized visitor follows an authorized nurse into a restricted area. The intruder may try to steal confidential patient data or equipment, which could cost your hospital credibility and money.

How Does Tailgating Occur?

Tailgating mostly happens when an authorized person fails to close the door to a particular facility or if they let the door close slowly, leaving a gap for unauthorized persons to enter.

Also, tailgating can occur where a third party, such as a painter, electrician, or contractor, is given access to the premises to complete a task. Often these contractors may leave the door opened for easy access to their supplies.

In more sophisticated cases, tailgating happens when an unauthorized person pretends to be an employee. For instance, a person can easily walk to the reception desk with another employee's badge or even wear a uniform and pretend to work for a particular company that shares or has authorized access to your building.

How Can I Reduce Tailgating?

Here are some helpful strategies to reduce tailgating security risks.

Leverage Access Control Technologies

Invest in access control technology—such as cards or biometric scanners—that require users to enter a passcode or scan their fingerprints. This investment provides an additional layer of security and ensures that only authorized personnel can gain entry.

Incorporate Video Surveillance

Video surveillance cameras are essential for monitoring individuals entering and leaving the premises. In addition, the recordings of these videos can help identify security breaches or any suspicious activity that may have occurred.

Enforce Visitor Badges

Create a culture of accountability for visitors and ensure that all guests wear a visible ID badge. This step will help your employees quickly identify legitimate from non-legitimate persons, limiting the chances of unauthorized personnel entering your premises.

Hire Security Guards

Security guards can monitor entry and exit locations, ensuring that no unauthorized visitor gains entrance. Security guards can also perform random checks for any suspicious activity, allowing you to take timely action before damage is done.

Train Your Employees

Train your employees regularly on security protocols and remind them to lock the doors after entering. Also, educate workers on the impact of security breaches and the risks associated with allowing strangers into restricted areas. This tip will prompt the employees to stay vigilant and watch for suspicious activity.

Now that you understand what tailgating is and how it can occur, you can use the tips discussed above to reduce the chances of a security breach and keep your premises safe. Most importantly, work with a reliable security service provider for quality guaranteed.

You can count on us at Phoenix Access Control to provide reliable security solutions tailored to your unique business needs. We offer an extensive range of products, such as security cameras and access control systems, so you can choose one that suits your needs. Contact us to learn more about our services.