Defending Against Unauthorized Entry: Tackling the Tailgating Threat

With physical security, safeguarding your workspace goes beyond traditional locks and keys. One often overlooked vulnerability is tailgating, a security breach where unauthorized personnel gain access to a secured space by following an authorized person without proper verification. Tailgating might seem harmless, but it poses a significant threat to your company's security and can lead to theft and other undesirable outcomes. 

Understanding Tailgating

Imagine this scenario: you enter your office building using your access credentials and hold the door for a colleague who forgot their badge. While this gesture may seem courteous, it opens the door – literally – for potential security breaches. Tailgating occurs when someone gains entry without proper authentication by exploiting the kindness or negligence of authorized personnel. This innocent act can give unauthorized individuals access to sensitive areas, putting your company's assets, data, and employees at risk.

The Cost of Ignoring Tailgating

Tailgating is not a mere inconvenience; it's a security loophole that can have dire consequences. Internal theft and security breaches are prevalent issues, costing businesses an estimated $50 billion annually. 2023 IBM research of a cost of a data breach report shows that 8% of all cybersecurity breaches come from a physical security compromise, with the average loss from these incidents averaging a staggering $4.1 Million.  With a traditional access control system, tailgating can inadvertently grant access to unauthorized individuals, leaving your company susceptible to theft, vandalism, or even more severe threats like violence or terrorism. Sensitive areas such as laboratories, medical facilities, and equipment rooms are particularly vulnerable to tailgating,so addressing this issue head-on is imperative.

Prioritizing Security: Why Stop Tailgating?

Maintaining a safe work environment is paramount in an era where security threats can come from both external and internal sources. It is believed that insider attacks and accidental breaches are now more likely than external cyberattacks. To combat this threat, knowing who is present within your premises at any given time is crucial. Biometric access control systems offer a reliable solution that can help prevent tailgating. 

Preventing Tailgating: Best Practices

1. Implement a Biometric Access Control System: A biometric access control system is a game-changer when it comes to preventing tailgating. Solutions like Alcatraz AI's Rock technology use advanced facial authentication to ensure that only authorized individuals gain entry into secured spaces. Implementing a Zero Trust policy, where every authorized person is required to use a credential or biometric profile to enter one at a time, leaves no room for unauthorized access. 
2. Educate Your Workforce: Technology alone is not enough; employees need to understand the importance of anti-tailgating measures. Train your staff to avoid holding doors for others, allowing the access control system to function optimally. This education can mitigate the chances of internal breaches due to misunderstandings.
3. Maintain Awareness: As employees return to physical workspaces, ensuring their safety remains a priority. Biometric access control systems, like the Alcatraz AI Rock, enable companies to accurately track who enters their buildings, enhancing overall security.

The security of your workplace and the safety of your employees are at stake. By adopting biometric access control systems and educating your workforce, you can effectively counteract the threat of tailgating. The evolution of security technology has provided powerful tools to combat this issue, ensuring that only authorized personnel access your premises. As businesses continue to adapt to new challenges, preventing tailgating should be a top priority to uphold the integrity of your workspace and protect your most valuable assets.

Learn More: https://alcatraz.ai/tailgating