The term “backdoor” might sound strange, but it can be very dangerous if one is present on your computer system or network. The question is, how dangerous is a backdoor, and what are the implications if your network is affected?
In this beginner-friendly article, we will look at what a backdoor is and how hackers use them to gain access to computer systems worldwide.
What is a Backdoor
A backdoor is basically a way for hackers to bypass standard encryption on a computer, allowing them to access the system and steal data such as passwords and other important information. Sometimes a backdoor is designed for so-called good purposes. For example, a system admin may lose access, and only a backdoor can provide access.
In many cases, victims have no idea a backdoor is installed on their computer, and that’s a problem because they have no idea their data is being siphoned by outsiders and probably sold on the dark web. Let us talk about this topic in detail.
- The history of backdoors with examples
- How hackers take advantage of backdoors
- How backdoors come about on a computer?
- Developer installed backdoor
- Backdoor created by hackers
- Discovered backdoors
- How to protect computers against backdoors.
You can read the difference between Virus, Trojan, Worm, Adware, Rootkit, etc, here.
1] The history of backdoors with examples
Backdoors have been around for quite a long time, but they were primarily created by the developers. For example, in 1993, the NSA developed an encryption chip for use in both computers and phones. What was interesting about this chip is the built-in backdoor that came with it.
In theory, this chip was designed to keep sensitive information secure while allowing law enforcement to monitor voice and data transmissions.
Another example of a backdoor leads us to Sony, surprisingly. You see, a Japanese company shipped millions of music CDs to customers worldwide in 2005, but there was a major issue with these products. The company chose to install a rootkit on each CD, meaning that whenever the CD is inserted into a computer, the rootkit installs itself on the operating system.
Once that is done, the rootkit will monitor the user’s listening habits and send the data to Sony’s servers. Needless to say, it was one of the biggest scandals of 2005.
Read: Evolution of Malware – How it all began!
2] How hackers take advantage of backdoors
It’s not easy to spot a digital backdoor since it is not the same as a physical backdoor. In some cases, hackers might use a backdoor to damage a computer or network, but in most situations, these tools are used to copy files and spy.
A person spying on sensitive information can access it without leaving a trace. It is a much better option than copying files since that route usually leaves something behind. However, when done right, copying information leaves no traces; therefore, only the most advanced hackers take on this challenge.
When it comes to causing havoc, a hacker will simply deliver malware to the system rather than go on a covert mission. This is the easiest option, as detection does not take long, especially if the system is highly secure.
Read: Ransomware Attacks, Definition, Examples, Protection, Removal, FAQ.
3] How do backdoors come about on a computer?
From our research, there are three primary ways for a backdoor to appear on a computer. They are usually created by developers, created by hackers, or discovered. Let us talk more about those.
4] Developer installed backdoor
One of the most dangerous backdoors on a computer or computer network is the one installed by the developer. In some cases, application developers embed backdoors in a product that they can use whenever needed.
They do it if they want to give law enforcement access, spy on citizens, if the product is being sold by a rival, among other reasons.
Read: How do you tell if your computer has a virus?
5] Backdoor created by hackers
In some cases, a hacker cannot find a backdoor on a system; therefore, the next best option is to create one from scratch. To get it done, the hacker must create a tunnel from their system to the victim’s.
If they do not have manual access, the hackers must trick the victim into installing a specialized tool that enables them to remotely access the computer. From there, hackers can easily access sensitive data and download it.
6] Backdoor discovered by hackers
In some situations, there is no need for hackers to create their own backdoors because, due to poor developer practices, a system might already have backdoors unknown to all involved. Hackers, if they’re lucky, might encounter this error and exploit it.
From what we’ve gathered over the years, backdoors tend to show up in remote access software than anything else, and that is because these tools were designed to give folks access to a computer system from a remote location.
7] How to protect computers against backdoors
It’s not easy to protect your computer from built-in backdoors because they’re difficult to identify in the first place. However, for other types of backdoors, there are ways to get them under control.
- Monitor network activity on your computer(s): We believe that monitoring network security on your Windows 10 computer is one of the best ways to protect your system from potential backdoors. Take advantage of the Windows Firewall tool, and other third-party network monitoring programs.
- Change your password every 90 days: In more ways than one, your password is the gateway to all sensitive information on your computer. If you have a weak password, you’ve created a backdoor. The same goes if your password is too old, for example, multiple years old.
- Careful when downloading free apps: For those with Windows 10, the Microsoft Store is probably the safest place to download apps, but the Store is lacking in most programs used by users. This situation forces the user to continue downloading apps on the web, and this is where things can go very wrong. We suggest scanning each program before installing with Microsoft Defender or any of your favorite anti-virus and malware tool.
- Always use a security solution: Every computer that is powered by Windows should have security software installed and in use. By default, Windows Defender should be running on every device, so the user is protected out of the box. However, there are many options available to the user; use the one that best fits your needs.
What are types of attacks?
A cyber attack is an attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer or to a computer network with the intent to cause damage. Hackers perform different types of cyber attacks to gain access to a person’s computer. Phishing is the most common cyber-attack. Other types of cyberattacks include DDoS attacks and brute-force attacks.
What is an example of a backdoor virus?
A rootkit is an example of backdoor malware. Rootkits are tools used by unauthorized users to gain control of a computer without detection. They can evade antivirus software and are used by viruses, worms, and other malware for various purposes.
Ransomware, Rogue software, Rootkits, Botnets, RATs, Malvertising, Phishing, Drive-by-download attacks, Online Identity Theft, are all here to stay now. One now needed to take an integrated approach to fight malware, and hence Firewalls, Heuristics, etc, were also made a part of the arsenal. There are many free antivirus software and free Internet Security Suites, that act as good as the paid options. You can read more here on – Tips to secure Windows PC.
That’s it.
