Quick Answer
The correct answer is tailgating, which is a physical security threat where an unauthorized person follows an authorized individual into a restricted area without proper authentication. This attack exploits human courtesy or inattention, bypassing badge readers or locks by piggybacking on legitimate access. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of social engineering and physical controls, often appearing alongside other threats like phishing (deceptive messages) or shoulder surfing (observing screens). A common trap is confusing tailgating with piggybacking, but both describe the same core concept—the key difference is that piggybacking typically implies the authorized person knowingly allows entry, while tailgating is often unwitting. To remember it, think of a tailgater at a concert: they slip in right behind someone else, avoiding the ticket check.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security guard notices an individual following closely behind an employee through a secured door without swiping a badge. This scenario is an example of which type of security threat?
Shoulder surfing
Why wrong: Shoulder surfing is observing someone's screen.
Phishing
Why wrong: Phishing involves fraudulent communications.
Tailgating
Tailgating is unauthorized physical access by following someone.
Malware
Why wrong: Malware is malicious software.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Tailgating
Option B is correct because tailgating occurs when an unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a restricted area. Option A is wrong because phishing is a deceptive message. Option C is wrong because shoulder surfing is looking at a screen. Option D is wrong because malware is malicious software.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Shoulder surfing
Why it's wrong here
Shoulder surfing is observing someone's screen.
Phishing
Why it's wrong here
Phishing involves fraudulent communications.
Tailgating
Why this is correct
Tailgating is unauthorized physical access by following someone.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Malware
Why it's wrong here
Malware is malicious software.
Common exam traps
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related FC0-U61 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: Tailgating — Option B is correct because tailgating occurs when an unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a restricted area. Option A is wrong because phishing is a deceptive message. Option C is wrong because shoulder surfing is looking at a screen. Option D is wrong because malware is malicious software.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related FC0-U61 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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