Complex networks, cloud platforms, and remote access tools boost modern business efficiency. However, these interconnected systems also increase risks. One underestimated threat is piggybacking.
Piggybacking often goes unnoticed, allowing attackers to exploit trust and access within a network. Unlike threats such as ransomware or phishing, this method hides in plain sight, which makes it harder to detect.
Piggybacking Defined
Piggybacking is a type of cyber attack that occurs when an unauthorized user gains access to a system or network by exploiting the credentials of a legitimate user. In its physical form, it can occur when a person uses another’s access to get into a building to install malware, for example. In the digital form, it can involve using another person’s unsecured WiFi network, accessing shared accounts or exploiting unsecured remote desktop connections.
However, the consequences of these attacks can be far-reaching, ranging from data breaches to system compromises.
Here’s how to prevent piggybacking attacks in your network.
What Are Piggybacking Attacks?
Piggybacking attacks occur when an unauthorized user gains access to a system or network by exploiting the presence or credentials of a legitimate user. Piggybacking can happen in both physical or digital form. One report found that around 60 percent of organizations had experienced some form of piggybacking.
In its physical form, piggybacking can occur when a person is able to get access to a building, which could allow them access to computers to install malware, for example. However, digital piggybacking is also possible, which involves using another person’s unsecured WiFi network, accessing shared accounts or exploiting unsecured remote desktop connections.
In both scenarios, the attacker exploits trust and oversight gaps rather than targeting technical vulnerabilities directly.
While some cyber attacks, such as DDoS attacks or ransomware, are likely to trigger alarms or display obvious signs of intrusion, piggybacking is more subtle. It relies on blending in with authorized user activity, allowing attackers to bypass conventional security measures.
Why Piggybacking Is Dangerous
Piggybacking is dangerous because it is often done stealthily. Traditional cybersecurity tools, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, flag unusual behaviour; however, a piggybacking attacker often mimics legitimate users. Once inside, attackers can access sensitive data or deploy malware and ransomware.
Additionally, once someone has gained access, they may be able to expand their reach and compromise additional systems if zero-trust security mechanisms are not in place.
In one report, Microsoft revealed that a Russian cyber espionage group had been piggybacking the tools and infrastructure of other cyber criminals over several years. This includes exploiting other groups' backdoors and command-and-control servers to deploy their own malware.
Because piggybacking can go undetected, the harm is often only discovered after significant damage has occurred, including regulatory breaches, loss of client trust, and costly remediation efforts.
Physical piggybacking is equally concerning. A contractor might follow an employee into a secure server room, giving criminals access to critical infrastructure. Even robust digital measures can't compensate for physical security gaps, underscoring the interconnection between cybersecurity and physical security.
How to Prevent Piggybacking
While the risk is real, piggybacking is preventable with proactive strategies that combine technology, policy, and human awareness. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires users to provide two or more verification factors before access, is one of the simplest methods for strengthening user verification. It significantly reduces the likelihood of attackers piggybacking on stolen or shared credentials. MFA ensures that even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is blocked.
Network segmentation (dividing a network into separate parts to restrict movement) is another technique that can effectively prevent piggybackers from gaining access to the entire network. Limiting lateral movement across the network restricts the impact of an intrusion. Creating a virtualized environment (where digital systems run within isolated software-based machines) can also be adopted to create a robust safety mechanism by leveraging virtualization technology to protect digital environments and assets.
Virtualized security helps contain threats within individual virtual machines. This means that if a virtual machine is compromised, it can be isolated and the security breach can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the network.
Virtualized security also allows for quick deployment of security services, enabling organizations to respond rapidly to emerging threats and changes in business requirements.
Additionally, advanced monitoring tools can detect unusual activity patterns, such as logins at unusual hours, unauthorized access to sensitive files, or atypical system commands. Behavioral analytics help identify intruders who are otherwise masquerading as legitimate users.
Employee awareness is vital for stopping physical piggybacking. Training ensures staff can recognize attempts to access secure areas or use employee credentials.
Building a Comprehensive Defense
Preventing piggybacking requires more than technology or policy alone. It needs a broad approach, integrating digital, physical and behavioral defenses. Security must be seen as a continuous process.
Piggybacking attacks are silent, underestimated threats. By exploiting trust, digitally or physically, they bypass traditional security, causing financial, reputational, regulatory and operational harm before detection.
Strengthen your defenses by implementing multi-layered authentication, proactive behavioral monitoring, and ongoing security training. Don't wait for a breach to reveal vulnerabilities; rather, protect your network by prioritizing vigilance and preparedness against piggybacking threats.
Begin assessing both your digital and physical security measures now. Make piggybacking prevention a top priority. Empower your team and leadership to stay vigilant and drive your organization toward a more resilient, trusted and secure future.
