The covert threat of tailgating: how much should you worry about it?
Imagine this scenario: a staff member swipes their card to enter a restricted hospital ward. Moments later, an unauthorised person slips in behind them, unnoticed. This isn't a scene from a spy movie; it's a real and rising threat known as tailgating.
It is a real concern across several sectors - in a 2019 survey into security in educational institutions, 48% of respondents had experienced a tailgating violation. More recently, several NHS Trusts have also published informative initiatives on the dangers of tailgating and how to mitigate it.
Is it a concern that you need to manage?
Tailgating in warehouses: inventory insecurity and data dangers
In warehouses, tailgating operates on a simple yet effective principle: unauthorised individuals gain entry to restricted or secure areas by following closely behind authorised personnel. This intrusion often occurs at entry points like loading docks, employee entrances, or even during the opening of secure storage areas.
Tailgating is a real concern here due to the high value and volume of goods stored, along with the sensitive data that warehouses often handle.
Intruders might aim to steal physical inventory, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, or other high-value items. Alternatively, their goal might be data theft, which can include stealing proprietary information about products, inventory systems, client details, or employee data.
Tailgating's toll on privacy and safety in healthcare
In healthcare, the stakes of tailgating are exceptionally high. With sensitive patient data at risk, a single breach can lead to catastrophic data losses. The healthcare sector, already grappling with digital data protection, now faces this physical security loophole.
From unauthorised access to patient records to potential abduction or harm to vulnerable patients, tailgating doesn't just compromise data; it endangers patient safety and privacy.
A notable case at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2017 where an ex-surgical resident gained unauthorised access, underscores the urgent need for robust security measures and heightened staff vigilance.
Tailgating in educational settings
Schools, colleges, and universities are bustling environments where a large number of people enter and exit daily. This constant movement makes it challenging to monitor every individual, thereby increasing the risk of unauthorised access.
Tailgating in schools can lead to a range of security breaches, from theft of property and confidential information to compromising the safety of students and staff. The presence of unauthorised individuals in a school setting can also cause significant anxiety and disrupt the educational environment.
Tackling tailgating head-on
The solution may seem straightforward: more cameras, more alarms, better locks. However, the reality is trickier. Tailgaters often exploit the most vulnerable element of any security system – human nature.
It's not just a technology problem; it's a human one. They rely on social engineering, exploiting moments of distraction or the natural inclination to hold the door for others.
In combating tailgating, another dilemma emerges: how to ramp up security without undermining people’s privacy. The answer lies in smart, discreet surveillance methods and a culture of security awareness.
There are advanced access control systems like keycards or biometric scanners, physical barriers such as turnstiles, and enhanced monitoring through CCTV. Technologies like video analytics and facial recognition can help identify and prevent tailgating incidents - provided that these technologies are rooted in privacy-by-design and data protection principles. For example, London Stansted Airport’s 2021 installation of CCTV cameras to prevent tailgating in drop-off zones and car parks exemplifies this approach.
Equally important is staff training and awareness - ensuring that employees are vigilant, can recognise potential security breaches, and understand their role in maintaining security.