Piggybacking: A Security Threat Explained

What is Piggybacking in terms of security?

a. Shoulder surfing c. Piggybacking b. Footprinting d. Dumpster diving

Answer:

Piggybacking is dragging along a worker who approaches a region without the individual understanding that they didn't utilize a PIN or a security identification to enter the region. The correct option is (c) Piggybacking.

Piggybacking is a type of security threat where an unauthorized person gains access to a restricted area by closely following an authorized person without their knowledge. This method allows the unauthorized individual to enter the area without the need for a proper security clearance.

In the context of networking and data communication, piggybacking refers to the process of combining acknowledgment with the data packet to be sent. It is an efficient solution for reducing the bandwidth usage of the network. TCP, being a full-duplex communication protocol, utilizes piggybacking to transmit packets.

An example of piggybacking in everyday life is when you visit a website and add an item to your shopping cart. Later, as you browse a different website, you notice an advertisement for the same item you added to your cart. This phenomenon is similar to piggybacking in networking.

Understanding and preventing piggybacking is essential for maintaining security and confidentiality in various environments, including physical premises and digital networks. By recognizing and addressing this security threat, organizations can enhance their overall security posture and protect sensitive information.