What does the term "tailgating" refer to in security protocols?

The term "tailgating" in security protocols specifically refers to the act of an unauthorized individual following an authorized person through a security entry point, such as a door, without using their own access credentials, like a key card or access badge. This behavior poses significant security risks because it potentially allows individuals who should not have access to secure areas to enter undetected. In many organizations, security measures are in place, such as card readers, to prevent unauthorized access, and tailgating circumvents these protections.

Other options, while related to security protocols, highlight different situations. Escorting a visitor through a secure area is a legitimate practice that involves oversight and proper authorization. Entering a building after hours typically breaches security policies, but it's not specifically tailored to the concept of tailgating. Similarly, using multiple access badges could indicate a potential security issue, but it is not synonymous with the act of tailgating. Thus, the definition captured by the first option aligns accurately with the established understanding of tailgating in security contexts.