CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

How does tailgating differ from piggybacking?

1. Tailgating involves authorized access, while piggybacking does not

2. Tailgating is more common in physical security breaches

3. Tailgating involves sneaking in without authorization, while piggybacking involves an authorized person allowing access

4. There is no difference; both terms refer to unauthorized entry

The correct answer is: Tailgating involves sneaking in without authorization, while piggybacking involves an authorized person allowing access

Tailgating involves a scenario where an unauthorized individual follows an authorized person into a secure area without proper authentication. This typically implies that the unauthorized person is actively trying to gain physical access by closely following someone who has the legitimate right to enter. In this situation, the unauthorized individual sneaks in rather than being granted access through correct protocols. On the other hand, piggybacking usually refers to a situation where an authorized individual allows someone else, often an unauthorized person, to enter a facility by holding the door open or otherwise facilitating access. While the person entering might not have authorization, the action is taken with the consent of the person who is authorized. Thus, the key distinction lies in the nature of the access: tailgating involves sneaking in without permission, whereas piggybacking is about an authorized individual inadvertently providing entry to someone who is not authorized. This distinction highlights different behaviors in security policy breaches that can have specific implications for physical security practices.