In red teaming, the term “tailgating” refers to a technique in which a team member attempts to gain unauthorized access to a protected area or computer system, such as by closely following an authorized employee or legitimate user. This control technique, used in the context of red teaming, focuses on assessing the security of business processes, systems, and access controls.
However, while traditional penetration testing has long been a key component of cybersecurity operations, the threat landscape is constantly evolving. This has led to the need to consider a wide range of attack vectors, including tailgating.
Tailgating is a social engineering technique used to gain unauthorized physical access to protected buildings, areas, or systems within an organization. This technique exploits people’s natural tendency to be polite and not question the presence of individuals who appear to belong in their surroundings.
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In simple terms, tailgating involves an attacker following or exploiting the presence of an authorized employee or legitimate visitor to gain access to a protected area. This can occur in various settings, such as corporate offices, data centers, government facilities, or any location where access is restricted.
The attacker aims to bypass physical security barriers without attracting suspicion. This means that tailgating attacks often occur without any technically detectable suspicious activity.Attackers rely primarily on social engineering to gain access.
The typical tailgating attack process involves the attacker approaching in a friendly manner. They may wear clothing or uniforms that appear appropriate for the environment, pretend to have a valid reason for access, or claim to be late for a meeting. Once near a protected access point, the attacker attempts to trick or manipulate an authorized employee or legitimate visitor into gaining entry.
If the deception is successful, the authorized employee or legitimate visitor grants the attacker access, opening the protected entrance. In some cases, the attacker can also steal or clone access badges or physical keys to gain entry on their own.
Once inside, the attacker can exploit their presence to perform malicious or unauthorized activities, such as stealing data, installing illicit recording devices, or accessing sensitive systems or documents. These activities can have serious consequences for the organization’s security.
Tailgating Usage Scenarios
Tailgating is an art of social engineering that can be exploited in a wide range of scenarios. Attackers can adapt this technique based on the specific environment and objectives. Here’s how tailgating typically works in a classic red teaming activity:
Target Identification: The red team member selects a specific target, which could be a building, an office, or a computer network, to test its security;
Attack Preparation: The red team member in charge of tailgating prepares as if he or she were a legitimate employee or user. This may include creating a fake badge or wearing appropriate uniforms or clothing to go unnoticed;
Execution: The red team member approaches a controlled access point, such as a badge door or security checkpoint, and attempts to closely follow an authorized employee through the access. The goal is to pass through access control without being detected or having to overcome security measures;
Installation of malicious devices in the company: Once access is gained, the red team member will be able to install devices within the organization that can be manipulated remotely, such as a mini computer (e.g. Raspberry Pi with radio interface) that can be interconnected to the company intranet and controlled remotely, for example from the parking lot or from a location adjacent to the office;
Response evaluation: If the red team member manages to pass access control without being recognized, this represents a security breach and is recorded as a weakness. If discovered, the red team also evaluates how security personnel or other employees responded to the incident.
The goal of tailgating in red teaming is to identify vulnerabilities in physical access controls and company procedures and conduct targeted attacks from within the organization. Addressing these issues will allow the organization to strengthen its security and prevent unauthorized access.
Tailgating Goals
The main objectives of tailgating are multiple and can vary based on the context and the actors involved. However, some common goals include:
Unauthorized physical access: This is the primary goal of tailgating. Attackers attempt to enter a restricted area without having the necessary credentials or permissions. This can include accessing corporate buildings, government offices, data centers, healthcare facilities, or any other area that requires strict access control.
Gathering sensitive information: Once inside, attackers may attempt to collect sensitive or confidential information. This information could be company documents, sensitive data, trade secrets, or other valuable assets.
Sabotage or Physical Damage: In extreme situations, attackers might aim to physically damage the environment or infrastructure once inside. This may include damage to equipment, security systems, or company assets.
Breach of privacy: In the case of residential facilities or private accommodations, tailgating may aim to violate the privacy of the inhabitants, trying to obtain personal information or to carry out malicious acts within the residence.
Internal cyber attacks: In the corporate context, tailgaters may try to use the physical access they gain to carry out internal cyber attacks, such as unauthorized access to company systems or networks, stealing sensitive data, or compromising overall cyber security.
As we have seen, once inside A range of cyber and physical crimes can be perpetrated within the organization. These range from the installation of remotely controlled electronic devices (for example, a Raspberry Pi with a Wi-Fi interface connected to the organization’s intranet, controllable from the parking lot or an adjacent building) to the theft of paper documents from desks or trash.
It’s important to note that the objectives of tailgating can vary greatly depending on the context. Attackers may be driven by financial, political, ideological motivations, or simply curiosity. Tailgating prevention and detection are crucial to protecting physical assets, information, and the overall security of organizations and facilities.
Executing a Tailgating Attack
A tailgating attack It typically unfolds through a series of well-defined phases, each of which is designed to allow the attacker to bypass access controls and gain entry to a protected area.
Here are the typical phases of a tailgating attack:
Reconnaissance: Before attempting a tailgating attack, the red team member performs a reconnaissance phase. This may involve observing and studying the habits of authorized employees, such as check-in and check-out times and access controls. In this phase, the attacker attempts to gather information that will be useful in the next attempt;
Preparation: Once the necessary information has been gathered, the red team member prepares for the attack. This may include choosing appropriate clothing to appear like a legitimate employee or visitor, planning the right time for the attack, and gathering any necessary tools or equipment;
Approach: In the approach phase, the red team member approaches the protected area. This can happen in various ways, such as walking towards a front door, a passageway, or a gate. During this phase, the attacker must try to appear confident and authorized.
Deception: As they approach access controls, the red team member can use a variety of techniques to deceive authorized personnel or security systems. This may include presenting a false pretext, imitating an employee’s behavior, or using distractions.
Bypassing Controls: The key phase of the attack is bypassing access controls. This can be done in various ways, such as showing a fake badge or telling security personnel that they forgot their badge at home. In some cases, the attacker may try to closely shadow an authorized employee as they enter the area.
Access to the protected area: Once the access controls have been passed, the red team member gains access to the protected area. This phase can vary greatly depending on the objectives of the attack. In some cases, the attacker may try to gain further access or bypass additional security barriers.
Objective implementation: If the red team member has specific objectives within the protected area, they will proceed with the implementation of those objectives. This may include activities such as stealing sensitive information, damaging equipment, or planting spyware.
Escape: After completing the attack objective, the red team member attempts to escape the protected area undetected. This may involve using the same deception and distraction techniques used during entry.
Cleaning tracks: Some red team members may attempt to erase the traces of their unauthorized access, such as by resetting access controls or disposing of physical evidence. This can make the attack more difficult to detect.
The phases of a tailgating attack can vary from time to time depending on the environment and the attacker’s specific goals. The following are the general phases that characterize this type of attack.
Motivations and Benefits
The motivations behind a tailgating attack can vary widely.
They typically focus on gaining unauthorized access to a protected area or sensitive resources. Here are some common motivations that attackers use tailgating attacks:
Theft: One of the most common reasons someone might attempt a tailgating attack is the desire to commit theft. This could include theft of physical assets, sensitive documents, or confidential information;
Espionage: Attackers may attempt tailgating for espionage purposes. They may try to obtain sensitive information, such as trade secrets or company data, on behalf of rival organizations or rival foreign governments;
Sabotage: In some cases, attackers try to deliberately damage equipment, assets, or infrastructure within a protected area. This can cause significant financial damage or put public safety at risk;
Access to restricted locations: Some tailgating attacks aim to gain access to restricted locations, such as government facilities, military organizations, or sensitive industrial facilities. This can be done for criminal or espionage purposes;
Access to computing resources: In enterprise settings, attackers may attempt to physically access servers, data centers, or other computing resources for malicious purposes, such as installing malware or stealing data;
Selling stolen information: In some cases, attackers may steal sensitive information through tailgating and then sell it on the black market. This can be a lucrative business for cybercriminals.
Blackmail: Attackers can use information obtained through a tailgating attack to blackmail the targeted organization or individual, threatening to disclose sensitive information or damage their reputation.
The benefits for attackers who successfully exploit a tailgating attack are obvious. They can gain access to valuable resources or information, and they can cause financial or reputational damage to the targeted organization.
Conversely, the consequences for victims of tailgating attacks can be severe. In addition to financial damage, they may suffer loss of sensitive data, damage to their reputation, and legal problems. Therefore, it is essential that organizations understand the potential motivations of attackers and take appropriate measures to prevent and address such attacks.
Countermeasures and Prevention
Preventing tailgating attacks andadopting effective countermeasures are critical to maintaining an organization’s physical and digital security. Below are some of the key countermeasures and preventative measures organizations can implement to reduce the risk of tailgating attacks:
Controlled Physical Access: Implementing strict physical access control to corporate facilities is critical. This may include the use of magnetic badges, fingerprint readers, facial recognition, or other authentication methods to ensure that only authorized individuals can enter buildings or sensitive areas;
Employee Training: Employees must be trained and aware of the risk of tailgating and security procedures. Training should include the importance of access control, recognizing strangers, and reporting suspicious behavior.
Video Surveillance: Installing video surveillance systems in key areas can help monitor access and record events. These systems can be used to retrospectively identify potential tailgaters.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing multi-factor authentication for access to computer systems and digital assets can add an additional layer of security. Even if an attacker has gained physical access, they may have difficulty bypassing MFA.
Reviewing Access Protocols: Organizations should periodically review and update access protocols. This may include reviewing access control lists and updating security procedures based on new threats;
Security Audits: Conduct periodic physical and digital security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Audits should also include evaluating access control processes;
Active Monitoring: Implement active monitoring systems to detect suspicious behavior or tailgating attempts in real time. This may include the use of motion sensors or unauthorized access detection software;
Robust Security Policies: Having well-defined and robust security policies is essential. These policies should clearly establish requirements for physical and digital access and penalties for violations;
Integration of Advanced Technologies: The use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can help identify suspicious behavior in real time and improve security;
Threat Assessment: Periodically, conduct threat assessments to identify new tactics or potential vulnerabilities and adapt countermeasures accordingly;
Collaboration with Law Enforcement: In the event of serious incidents or intrusions, collaborate with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute attackers.
The combination of these countermeasures can significantly help mitigate the risk of tailgating attacks. However, it is important to remember that security is an ongoing process and that organizations must remain vigilant and adapt to evolving threats to protect their assets and information.
Conclusions
As we have seen, cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common. Tailgating poses a significant threat to the physical and digital security of organizations. These attacks rely on an attacker’s ability to gain unauthorized access to buildings, sensitive areas, or digital assets by exploiting employees’ naivety, courtesy, or lack of awareness.
We must view a tailgating attackas a “physical” penetration test where an access vulnerability must be found, privilege escalation must be performed, etc., by exploiting human and technological vulnerabilities.
The consequences of a tailgating attack can be serious, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, loss of intellectual property, or even physical sabotage.
To mitigate the risk of tailgating attacks,organizations must adopt a series of countermeasures and preventative measures. These measures include strictly controlling physical access to facilities, employee security training, the use of video surveillance systems, the implementation of multi-factor authentication, and the continuous review of access protocols. It is crucial that organizations maintain robust and up-to-date security policies to address emerging threats.
In an environment where security is a priority, awareness and vigilance are essential. Employees must be trained to recognize suspicious behavior and promptly report intrusions. Collaboration with law enforcement may be necessary to prosecute attackers and prevent future attacks.
Ultimately, preventing tailgating attacks requires ongoing commitment from organizations. With a combination of advanced technologies, robust security protocols, and an informed workforce, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these physical and digital intrusions. Security should be at the heart of business strategies to protect the organization’s assets, data, and reputation.
Redazione The editorial team of Red Hot Cyber consists of a group of individuals and anonymous sources who actively collaborate to provide early information and news on cybersecurity and computing in general.
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