Cybersecurity Threats: What You Need to Know About Piggybacking

In cybersecurity, piggybacking refers to an unauthorized person gaining access to a restricted area or system by exploiting the access privileges of an authorized user, typically by following them or leveraging their credentials, usually without their knowledge or consent. Piggybacking takes advantage of human behaviors and security lapses to bypass safeguards, potentially leading to data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage for organizations, and identity theft and financial loss for individuals. 

What is Piggybacking in Cyber Security?

Piggybacking in cyber security refers to a social engineering tactic in which the attacker uses an authorized individual’s legitimate access to a secured physical or electronic area to gain unauthorized access, usually without the authorized individual's knowledge or consent.

Piggybacking is common in office buildings, where attackers gain access to secured areas by covertly following an authorized user into that area or tricking them into granting access. Piggybacking cybersecurity attacks also target IT systems. In these cases, the attacker gains unauthorized access to the system using an authorized user’s credentials. 

Sometimes, piggybacking is used to eavesdrop on private conversations so that an attacker can harvest any sensitive information that may have been discussed. 

Sadly, piggybacking attacks are easy to execute but often hard to detect. Thankfully, organizations can take steps to protect against piggybacking cybersecurity attacks. Still, piggybacking remains a significant security threat, and when these attacks occur, they can have serious consequences.

How Does It Works?

Piggybacking works by exploiting an authorized user’s access privileges, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain entry into restricted areas or systems. A successful piggybacking cybersecurity attack can be achieved using a variety of methods and hacks, both physical and digital. In a physical piggybacking attack, the attacker may follow closely behind a person who is authorized to have access, blending with employees and visitors as a way to bypass any security checkpoints or systems. In a digital piggybacking attack, the hacker may leverage shared or stolen credentials as a way to access a secure system.

There are many cases of piggybacking involving an attacker observing or spying on an authorized user while their credentials are being authenticated. This often includes the attacker watching the authorized person enter a password or PIN or even using surveillance tools such as keyloggers or video cameras to capture credentials or login details. Once they have the necessary credentials, the attacker can log in, access secure data, or install malware. 

Often, attackers will use techniques that cover their tracks, allowing them to maintain unauthorized access. These techniques often involve deleting access log information, editing system files, and installing backdoors. These piggybacking attack techniques often allow the hackers to avoid detection, allowing them to exploit the system for an extended period.

Types of Piggybacking Attacks

Much like a piggyback ride–where one person carries another on their back, with the rider's arms around their neck and legs around their waist–piggybacking attacks follow a similar concept, though metaphorically. At their core, these attacks involve one party gaining access by "riding along" on someone else's legitimate access.

Piggybacking attacks can occur in both physical and digital environments. In a physical environment, a piggybacking attack involves an unauthorized person gaining physical access to secured or restricted areas, like in an office building or other facility. In a digital piggybacking attack, individuals gain access to restricted networks, systems, and data. 

Physical Piggybacking

Physical piggybacking involves gaining unauthorized access to secured areas by following an authorized person through a door or gate. It is usually achieved by exploiting the authorized person’s courtesy or through distraction. 

Here are some common types of physical piggybacking: 

• Exploiting courtesy: The unauthorized individual follows someone who is authorized through a door and into a secure area, often with the authorized person holding the door for them, assuming that they too are authorized. 
• Pretending to be authorized: Sometimes, an unauthorized person will claim to be a new employee, a delivery person, or to have simply forgotten their credentials, tricking an authorized individual into granting access. 
• Distraction: An unauthorized person might create a distraction, such as carrying large or heavy packages, making it easier to trick the authorized person into holding the door open for them.

Digital Piggybacking

In cybersecurity, digital piggybacking involves an unauthorized person gaining access to systems by exploiting weak security measures like unsecured Wi-Fi or easily guessed passwords.

Here are some common examples of digital piggybacking:

• WiFi piggybacking: An attacker gains access to a network by connecting to an unsecured or unprotected Wi-Fi network. This may involve connecting to a public Wi-Fi network without encryption or password protection to eavesdrop on network traffic, steal data, or install malware. 
• Using publicly available passwords: The attacker gains access to a network or system by using a password that is publicly available or easily guessed. This often happens when a default password is used to protect routers or devices, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems, data, or applications. 
• Exploiting personal hotspots: An attacker gains access to a network by connecting to a personal hotspot that is not properly secured with a strong password or encryption. The purpose of a piggybacking attack like this is too often to eavesdrop on network traffic, steal data, or install malware. 
• Exploiting home routers: Attackers often gain access to networks by exploiting vulnerabilities in home routers using default passwords or with weak security settings. When this sort of piggybacking attack occurs, the hacker will not only access the home network but potentially to any other connected devices.

How To Prevent Piggybacking in Cybersecurity

Piggybacking can occur in both the physical and digital realms, so it’s important to take a comprehensive approach to security. Below are key measures organizations can implement to prevent unauthorized access in both environments.

Physical Security Measures

Physical barriers, video surveillance, and advanced technology are common physical security measures employed to protect physical locations from piggybacking attacks. These measures can reduce the risk of entry by unauthorized persons. Here’s a closer look:

• Physical barriers: Controlling access points with turnstiles, speed gates, and security gates help prevent piggybacking and other forms of unauthorized 
• Authentication technologies: The use of biometric scanners and badge readers helps to ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed to enter restricted areas. 
• Video monitoring: This proactive security solution, designed to prevent piggybacking, utilizes cameras and surveillance to detect unauthorized entries and respond in real time. 
• Staff training: When it comes to piggybacking, employees are usually the first line of defense. Regular training and vigilance can prevent piggybacking and other attacks. 

Digital Security Measures

Organizations need to be proactive and ensure complete digital access control, taking the appropriate security measures to prevent piggybacking attacks, including: 

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for digital access to systems and data, requiring multiple forms of verification beyond just a password. 
• Strong passwords: Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords and consider password managers to generate and store them securely. 
• Visitor management systems: Use visitor management systems to track and authorize visitors, ensuring a record of who enters an area.

Preventing Wi-Fi Piggybacking Attacks

To prevent Wi-Fi piggybacking attacks, always use long, complex passwords and keep them private. Change passwords after suspected breaches and every 3–6 months. Regularly check connected devices via your router. Remove unauthorized users and block their access. These simple steps can protect your network from piggybacking, data theft, and unauthorized bandwidth use