What is Piggybacking?

In cybersecurity, piggybacking refers to a specific type of attack where an unauthorized user gains access to a secure system or network by exploiting the access privileges of an authorized user. This technique is also known as “credential sharing” or “access sharing” and can lead to serious security breaches if not properly addressed.

What is a Piggybacking Attack?

Piggybacking is the process of using a wireless connection to access an internet connection without authorization. Its objective is to gain free network access which is often exploited to attempt malicious activities like data breaching and dissemination of malware. It can also lead to slower internet speed for all the systems connected to the network. 

Even if piggybacking isn’t attempted with malicious intent, it’s still illegal because the user is taking undue advantage of a service they haven’t paid for.

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Piggybacking Definitions and Types

1. Password Sharing

When an authorized user shares their login credentials with an unauthorized individual, allowing them to gain access to the system or network.

2. Physical Access

When an unauthorized person gains physical access to a secure area by following closely behind an authorized person or using their physical access card or key.

3. Remote Access

When an unauthorized user gains access to a system or network remotely using stolen or leaked credentials of an authorized user.

4. Wi-Fi Piggybacking

This is a specific case of piggybacking in which an unauthorized person gains access to someone else’s Wi-Fi network without permission, often by using weak passwords or exploiting security vulnerabilities.

5. Social Engineering

In some cases, attackers may use social engineering techniques to manipulate an authorized user into granting them access to the system or network.

What is Piggybacking in Computer Networks?

In computer networks, piggybacking refers to a technique used in data transmission protocols to improve efficiency and reduce overhead. It is primarily associated with the transmission of acknowledgment messages in response to received data.

The concept of piggybacking revolves around combining multiple pieces of information within a single transmission to make more efficient use of network resources. Based on this the two main types of piggybacking are:

1. Piggybacking Acknowledgments

In many network protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), when data is sent from one device (sender) to another (receiver), the receiver acknowledges the receipt of the data back to the sender. 

Instead of sending a separate acknowledgment (ACK) message for each data packet received, piggybacking allows the receiver to include the acknowledgment within the data packet it sends back to the sender. 

This way, both data, and acknowledgment are sent together, reducing the number of separate packets and the associated overhead.

2. Piggybacking Data

Similarly, when the receiver wants to send data back to the sender, it can take advantage of piggybacking by including its data along with the acknowledgment message. 

This is particularly useful in cases where the sender and receiver are alternating their roles as data sender and receiver frequently, as it helps minimize the number of separate packets being exchanged.

Ultimately piggybacking can help reduce the number of individual transmissions, resulting in enhanced network utilization efficacy and improved overall performance. It is especially beneficial in situations where network resources are limited or when optimizing latency is essential.

However, it’s important to note that piggybacking must be carefully implemented and considered, in the design of network protocols to avoid potential issues such as message collisions or excessive delays caused by waiting for data to be combined with acknowledgments.

How Does Piggybacking Work?

Piggybacking attacks were easier and more common in the past because Wi-Fi networks were unencrypted. Anyone within the signal’s range could access a network without entering a security password. So, hackers just had to be in the range of a Wi-Fi hotspot’s signal and select the chosen network from the options presented.

However, in today’s date, most Wi-Fi networks are encrypted and secured with passwords, making these attacks more challenging and less common. It’s still possible for threat actors to access a network if they have the password or can crack the encryption.

Tailgating Vs Piggybacking

In cybersecurity:

• Tailgating involves physically following an authorized person to gain access to a restricted area or building.
• Piggybacking involves exploiting an active session or an established user’s credentials to gain unauthorized access to digital systems or networks.

Both tailgating and piggybacking are security risks that organizations need to address through security policies, access controls, and employee awareness training to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive information.

What Does Piggybacking Look Like?

In piggybacking, the authorized person realizes that they’ve let an intruder in. However, they think the intruder had a legitimate reason to be there. You can imagine it as a situation where an employee is talking to a perpetrator claiming to have a meeting with someone in the office, and they let them in. 

Piggybacking Security: How to Prevent Piggybacking?

There are several ways to prevent piggybacking attacks. Let’s see what you can do.

Use Multi-Layered Security For Restricted Areas

Use biometrics to add an extra layer of security against piggybacking. This will restrict hackers from accessing your network quickly.

Update Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus Software

Ensure your anti-malware and anti-virus programs are updated and patched. This will protect your data even if perpetrators gain access to your IT infrastructure.

Implement, Update, and Follow IT Policies and Procedures

If you’ve policies and procedures in place regarding the safety and protection of technology, ensure everyone follows them. You must also update them from time to time to reflect the latest threats.

Protect Login Credentials

Login credentials are beneficial to hackers, so they are always looking for them. They deploy various social engineering techniques to obtain them. You can use multi-factor authentication for additional security. 

Educate Your Employees

Schedule cybersecurity awareness training for employees of all seniority levels. It’s a cost-effective and practical way to prevent attacks like tailgating and piggybacking. Ensure each employee is well trained to understand the role they play in responding to and reporting threats.

Use Encryption

WPA and WPA 2 are robust encryption systems that can be used to minimize the probability of attackers intercepting a communication. 

Use a Password

Set a strong password that has to be used to access the wifi connection of your workplace. Also, change the default password that comes with your router and use something that isn’t too obvious to crack. You can also create a wifi QR code that makes it easy for employees and guests to connect to your network without needing to enter the password manually.

Avoid Broadcasting Your Wireless Network’s Name

Don’t broadcast your wireless network or SSID to passers-by. Instead, select an unguessable SSID name to make it harder for hackers to crack the password. 

Restrict Internet Access to Specific Hours

Buy Wi-Fi routers that allow you to configure internet access to only specific hours of the day. This will minimize the chances of becoming a victim of piggybacking attacks.

Final Thoughts

Piggybacking is a concerning cybersecurity practice that highlights the importance of maintaining strict access controls and vigilance in today’s interconnected world. As technology continues to advance, the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information becomes more prevalent. 

Cyber attackers are increasingly exploiting the human element, capitalizing on moments of carelessness or oversight. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations and individuals to be aware of the threat posed by piggybacking and take proactive measures to safeguard their digital assets. 

Implementing strong authentication mechanisms, promoting a culture of security awareness, and regularly reviewing access policies are all essential steps in fortifying defenses against this deceptive and insidious technique.

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Ahona Rudra

Domain & Email Security Expert at PowerDMARC

Ahona is the Marketing Manager at PowerDMARC, with 5+ years of experience in writing about cybersecurity topics, specializing in domain and email security. Ahona holds a post-graduation degree in Journalism and Communications, solidifying her career in the security sector since 2019.

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