Access Control Vestibules Explained: Mantraps and Tailgating for Security+
An access control vestibule is a small enclosed space with two interlocking doors, positioned so that only one can be open at a time. A person enters, the outer door closes and locks, they authenticate, and only then does the inner door open. It is a physical control that exists for one reason: to make sure exactly one authenticated person enters at a time. You may know it as a mantrap , which is the older term. CompTIA now uses "access control vestibule" in its objectives, and both appear in exam answer choices, so recognize them as the same thing. The Problem It Solves Badge readers and locked doors stop people without credentials. They do nothing about tailgating and piggybacking , which is how people actually get into buildings they should not be in. The distinction between those two terms is tested: Tailgating — following an authorized person through a door without their knowledge or consent . Slipping in behind someone. Piggybacking — the authorized pe...