Which type of physical attack involves following someone into a secured area?

The correct answer is piggybacking, which refers to a physical security breach technique where an unauthorized individual gains access to a restricted area by following someone with proper credentials. This method often exploits the trust or courtesy of the person being followed, who may hold the door open or otherwise grant access without checking the credentials of the newcomer.

In many secure environments, organizations implement access controls that require individuals to use an access card or a key to enter a secured area. When someone follows behind an authorized person without presenting their own credentials, they effectively "piggyback" on that person's allowed access.

Tampering refers to the modification or alteration of something with the intention to harm or disrupt operations but does not directly involve following someone into a secure area. Interception typically pertains to unauthorized access to data or communications rather than physical access to a location. Theft involves stealing physical items or data but doesn’t necessarily relate to the act of entering a secured area by following someone else.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial, especially in information systems and controls management, as they highlight the different types of risks organizations face concerning physical security.