What is the practice of closely following an authorized user to gain access to a secured area?

The practice of closely following an authorized user to gain access to a secured area is known as tailgating. This tactic typically involves an unauthorized individual trailing behind a legitimate user to bypass physical security measures, often relying on the trust that the authorized individual will grant them access.

Tailgating can pose significant security risks because it exploits social engineering principles, where the perpetrator takes advantage of established safety protocols, like the idea that someone entering a secure area only allows those who are supposed to have access.

In contrast, shoulder surfing involves observing someone’s private information, such as passwords or PINs, typically by looking over their shoulder rather than gaining unauthorized access through following someone. Spear phishing is a targeted attempt to steal sensitive information from a specific individual, usually through deceptive emails or messages. Vishing refers to voice phishing, where attackers use phone calls to trick individuals into revealing confidential information.

Tailgating is specifically focused on physical security breaches, making it the correct answer in this context as it directly relates to gaining unauthorized access by following an authorized person.