Backdoor: meaning, definitions and examples
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backdoor
[ bækˈdɔːr ]
computer security
A backdoor is a method of bypassing normal authentication or securing remote access to a computer, while attempting to remain undetected. It often exploits hidden weaknesses in software applications, allowing unauthorized users to gain access to systems without conventional login methods.
Synonyms
clandestine access, covert route, secret entry.
Examples of usage
- Hackers often use backdoors to infiltrate secure networks.
- Many security experts recommend checking for backdoors in new software installations.
- The malware was discovered to have several backdoors to facilitate remote control.
general use
In a broader context, a backdoor can refer to any method that allows someone to gain access to a system or place without following standard procedures. This term is not limited to computer security and can apply to physical security measures as well.
Synonyms
escape route, secret passage.
Examples of usage
- The burglars found a backdoor to enter the building.
- They had a hidden backdoor for emergencies.
- Using backdoors to bypass rules can lead to serious consequences.
Translations
Translations of the word "backdoor" in other languages:
🇵🇹 porta dos fundos
🇮🇳 पीछे का दरवाज़ा
🇩🇪 Hintertür
🇮🇩 pintu belakang
🇺🇦 задні двері
🇵🇱 tylne drzwi
🇯🇵 バックドア
🇫🇷 porte dérobée
🇪🇸 puerta trasera
🇹🇷 arka kapı
🇰🇷 백도어
🇸🇦 باب خلفي
🇨🇿 zadní vrátka
🇸🇰 zadné dvere
🇨🇳 后门
🇸🇮 zadnja vrata
🇮🇸 aftari dyr
🇰🇿 артқы есік
🇬🇪 უკანა კარი
🇦🇿 arka qapı
🇲🇽 puerta trasera
Etymology
The term 'backdoor' originally appeared in the context of computing in the mid-20th century, though its exact origins are somewhat nebulous. It stems from the idea of a secondary entrance to a building, which mimics the function of a covert means of access in software. The earliest documented use in this context is traced back to the 1970s. As computer systems grew more complex, the term became synonymous with unintended vulnerabilities and secretive access points that could be exploited by unauthorized individuals. In modern parlance, especially with the rise of cybersecurity threats, the concept of a backdoor has expanded to encompass not only software vulnerabilities but also deliberate backdoor implementations by developers for maintenance or troubleshooting purposes. This expansion reflects the evolving landscape of technology and security, highlighting the continuous challenge of protecting sensitive data in an era where digital threats are increasingly sophisticated.