Backdoor

A backdoor is a typically covert method of bypassing normal authentication or encryption in a computer or program. Backdoors are most often used for securing remote access to a computer, or obtaining access to plaintext in cryptosystems. From there it may be used to gain access to privileged information like passwords, corrupt or delete data on hard drives, or transfer information within networks. A backdoor may take the form of a hidden part of a program, a separate program, code in the firmware of the hardware, or parts of an operating system.

External Links

• Backdoor (Computing) article on Wikipedia