Social Engineering Attacks: Tailgating, Piggybacking, Shoulder Surfing & More

Quick Definition: Tailgating, piggybacking, and shoulder surfing are forms of social engineering that exploit trust to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. They target people rather than technology, using tactics like phishing, tailgating, or pretexting.

"Social Engineering" may sound like a college degree, but in reality, it's an attack that manipulates human psychology to bypass security measures. Instead of exploiting technology, this type of scam exploits trust. 

These attacks are a growing threat, costing organizations billions annually through data breaches and unauthorized access. Among the most insidious tactics are tailgating, piggybacking, and shoulder surfing. All three are deceptively simple yet effective methods that prey on human tendencies. This article examines these threats, their mechanics, and strategies for combating them.

What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering involves deceiving individuals into sharing sensitive information or granting unauthorized access to it. Unlike traditional cyberattacks that exploit software vulnerabilities, social engineering targets the human element. Its interpersonal nature makes it more difficult to detect. 

Tactics include phishing, baiting, and physical intrusions, such as tailgating. Attackers often combine these with cyberattacks, using stolen credentials from social engineering to launch ransomware or data theft. The goal is to exploit trust, curiosity, or negligence to bypass defenses.

What is Tailgating?

Unfortunately, the tailgating we're about to discuss is nothing like a party in a parking lot. Instead, tailgating occurs when an unauthorized person follows an authorized individual into a restricted area. Generally, someone does this by slipping through a secured door. Also known as "piggybacking" in some contexts, tailgating exploits physical access controls, relying on human courtesy or inattention.

Real-World Examples

Imagine an attacker posing as a delivery worker trailing an employee into a corporate office, bypassing badge checks. Another example would be an "employee" asking you to hold the door as he jogs your way. He holds a "badge" that he "swipes" before entering, thus leading you to believe he's an employee. In actuality, he's a tailgater. Such scenarios are common in high-traffic environments, such as offices or campuses.

Exploiting Human Tendencies

Tailgating thrives on social norms, such as holding doors open out of politeness or hesitating to confront strangers. Also, attackers may dress convincingly (like maintenance staff) or use props to blend in. All these exploit trust and reluctance to challenge authority.

Mitigation and Prevention

• Access Controls: Use turnstiles or mantraps that require individual authentication.

• Training: Teach employees to challenge strangers and avoid holding doors.

• Monitoring: Deploy cameras and security personnel at entry points.

• Policies: Enforce strict badge checks and visitor protocols.

What is Piggybacking?

Piggybacking is a subset of tailgating where the intruder gains access with the explicit or implicit consent of an authorized person, generally by blending in or manipulating social dynamics. It’s subtler, relying on complicity rather than stealth.

Real-World Examples

An attacker might chat up an employee at a café, then follow them into the office as a "guest." Such attacks are prevalent in collaborative or less rigid workplaces.

Subtleties and Nuances

Piggybacking exploits familiarity and social pressure. Attackers may mimic insider behavior or use flattery to lower defenses. Unlike tailgating’s opportunistic nature, piggybacking often involves premeditated efforts. That sort of forethought makes it harder to detect.

Mitigation and Prevention

• Awareness Campaigns: Train staff to recognize manipulation tactics.

• Escort Policies: Require visitors to have an escort at all times.

• Biometric Authentication: Use fingerprint or facial recognition to prevent shared access.

• Cultural Shifts: Encourage questioning unrecognized individuals without fear of being perceived as rude.

What is Shoulder Surfing?

Shoulder surfing involves observing or recording sensitive information, like passwords or PINs, by watching over someone’s shoulder. It’s a low-tech but effective social engineering tactic.

How It Works

Attackers position themselves in crowded places to glimpse screens or keyboards. For example, cafes, airports, and offices are perfect places for it. They may use binoculars, cameras, or even smartphones to capture data.

Mitigation and Prevention

• Screen Filters: Install privacy screens to limit visibility.

• Awareness: Train employees to shield devices in public and check surroundings.

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Reduce the impact of stolen credentials.

• Secure Workstations: Lock screens when unattended and use password managers.

Other Social Engineering Attacks

Beyond tailgating, piggybacking, and shoulder surfing, attackers use:

• Phishing: Emails or texts that trick users into sharing credentials.

• Pretexting: Creating false scenarios to extract information.

• Baiting: Leaving infected USB drives to lure curious victims.

Goals and Objectives

Attackers aim to steal data, gain unauthorized access, or install malware. Their objectives range from financial gain to espionage or sabotage.

Potential Impacts

These attacks can lead to data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage, or regulatory penalties. According to Splunk, a Cisco company, 98% of cyberattacks use social engineering. 

How to Recognize and Prevent Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering exploits human behavior, not technical vulnerabilities—which makes it one of the most challenging threats to defend against. Even the most secure systems can be compromised by a single distracted employee or a moment of misplaced trust. Here’s how to build a multi-layered defense against social engineering attacks, such as tailgating, phishing, and shoulder surfing.

Employee Awareness and Training

Regular training helps employees recognize suspicious behavior and respond appropriately. Run simulated phishing campaigns, role-playing exercises, or tailgating scenarios to make the lessons stick. Use real-world examples in training sessions to highlight the impact of successful attacks. Most importantly, create a culture where reporting potential threats is encouraged—not punished.

Implementing Access Control Measures

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect logins, and restrict physical access with badge systems, biometric scanners, and single-entry checkpoints. Role-based access ensures that employees have access only to the information and areas they need. Make it a habit to regularly audit access logs and permissions, especially after staffing changes.

Use Surveillance and Monitoring Systems

Physical security plays a huge role in stopping social engineering. Cameras placed at entrances, exits, and sensitive areas help deter tailgaters and piggybackers. Intrusion detection systems can flag unauthorized attempts to access networks or facilities. Real-time monitoring adds an extra layer of visibility, enabling security teams to act quickly when something appears off and providing crucial evidence in the event of an incident.

Conclusion

Tailgating, piggybacking, and shoulder surfing exploit human trust, bypassing even the best technical defenses. These social engineering tactics are simple yet devastating. All three can lead to breaches, financial losses, and eroded trust. 

Organizations must foster a culture of vigilance, combining employee training, robust access controls, and surveillance to mitigate risks. In a world where human error is the weakest link, proactive security measures are non-negotiable. Stay alert, question the unfamiliar, and keep the door to attackers firmly shut.

Want to learn more about Cybersecurity? This CBT Nuggets Security+ online course is an excellent starting point.