# Tailgating

A physical security breach where an unauthorized person follows an authorized person through a secured door or checkpoint.

**Tailgating[↗](/tailgating)** (also called piggybacking) is a physical security attack where someone without authorized access follows closely behind an employee through a locked door, badge-controlled entrance, or other checkpoint, relying on politeness or a lack of scrutiny to slip in unnoticed. No hacking skill is required, just confidence and a bit of social engineering[↗](/social-engineering).

Once inside, an attacker can plant devices, steal documents or hardware, or access systems directly. Organizations counter this with badge-only turnstiles, security guards trained to challenge unfamiliar faces, and a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable politely questioning someone who tries to follow them in.