Editing Computer security (section)

===Backdoor===
A [[Backdoor (computing)|backdoor]] in a computer system, a [[cryptosystem]], or an [[algorithm]] is any secret method of bypassing normal [[authentication]] or security controls. These weaknesses may exist for many reasons, including original design or poor configuration.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-30 |title=What is a backdoor attack? Definition and prevention {{!}} NordVPN |url=https://nordvpn.com/blog/backdoor-attack/ |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=nordvpn.com |language=en}}</ref> Due to the nature of backdoors, they are of greater concern to companies and databases as opposed to individuals.

Backdoors may be added by an authorized party to allow some legitimate access or by an attacker for malicious reasons. [[Cybercrime|Criminals]] often use [[malware]] to install backdoors, giving them remote administrative access to a system.<ref name="McAfee-2023">{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2023 |title=What is a backdoor attack? |url=https://www.mcafee.com/learn/backdoor-threat/ |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=McAfee}}</ref> Once they have access, cybercriminals can "modify files, steal personal information, install unwanted software, and even take control of the entire computer."<ref name="McAfee-2023" />

Backdoors can be difficult to detect, as they often remain hidden within the source code or system firmware intimate knowledge of the [[operating system]] of the computer.