A backdoor attack is a type of cybersecurity threat that could put companies, websites, and
internet users at risk. The term covers a wide range of common cyberattacks, targeting everyone
from individuals to government agencies and international corporations. So what is a backdoor
attack, and how dangerous can it be?
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Backdoor installation helps software developers solve various problems, for example, retrieve
data from a device to aid a criminal investigation or restore users’ lost passwords. But the
backdoors might also be exploited by{‘ ‘}
hackers, but how?
Backdoor attacks work in two ways. Hackers might either discover and exploit a backdoor that
already exists within a system, or they might install a backdoor into the system themselves.
In the first scenario, hackers use a backdoor to circumvent normal security measures and gain
unauthorized access to a computer system and its data. In the second one, they exploit system
vulnerabilities to gain access into it and implant backdoor software. Once the backdoor is in,
attackers can easily re-enter the system whenever they like, even if the vulnerabilities are
fixed.
Threat actors might use{‘ ‘}
malware to set up an
entry point into the system. When the malware infects the system, it brings in other harmful
programs to make it possible to create a backdoor. For example, a{‘ ‘}
rootkit infection can result in
the creation of a backdoor in a system. Once the backdoor is set up, hackers send commands from
a command-and-control server through this backdoor to steal data or damage the system.
These attacks often go undetected, at least at first, because the hackers do not disrupt or
brute force their way through any of the cybersecurity systems. Once they’ve got remote access
to a network or device, they can install malware, engage in data theft, and spy on user
activity.
Backdoor attacks can be extremely dangerous because they often involve hackers gaining an
extremely high level of access and privileges within a system or network. If they can do this
without being detected, they can then squat there for months, monitoring user activity. Here are
just some of the dangers posed by backdoor attacks.
can ransack databases and steal private information.
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Hackers could use backdoors to access email accounts or other internal messaging systems
within an organization and then send targeted{‘ ‘} phishing emails to the
contacts of the compromised account. This may allow them to spread malware or backdoor trojans
to other accounts.
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Backdoor attacks are the preferred strategy for cyber spies working on behalf of rival nation
states. Unlike other forms of spying, these attacks don’t require physical access, so a
successful backdoor hacker can spy on an enemy government from the other side of the world.
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While some hackers might just steal sensitive information, others could do a lot worse.
Backdoor intrusions can allow state-backed hackers or even lone-wolf terrorists to carry out
acts of cyber warfare. Power grids, water filtration plants, missile systems, and other
important infrastructure essential for health and safety are all potentially vulnerable to
backdoor attacks, and disruption in these areas could be catastrophic.
A reference to backdoor attacks was first made in 1967, in a paper published at a conference of
the American Federation of Information Processing Societies. The paper discussed the risks of
“trapdoor” attacks. In 1984, Ken Thompson demonstrated the possibility of a backdoor attack by
presenting how to modify a compiler to insert a backdoor in login authentication.
Flash forward to the 1990s, when backdoors started gaining notoriety for being a tool for
unauthorized access by both hackers and government agencies. The US’s National Security Agency
(NSA) began developing the Clipper chip project. In theory, this Clipper could be added to
phones and computers, giving authorities a secure backdoor to all US devices. After an outcry
from privacy and security experts, Clipper was abandoned.
Currently, the threat of backdoor attacks has expanded from standard internet-connected systems
to the Internet of Things and cloud computing. But to this day, the NSA is accused of trying to
insert or exploit backdoors in software and applications.
While some people use the phrase trapdoor and backdoor interchangeably in the cybersecurity
context, the word trapdoor has another meaning in computing that is not related to this topic.
In cryptography, a “trapdoor function” is a process in which data can move in one direction
easily but cannot be reversed without a special key or piece of information.
If someone is talking about a trapdoor attack, however, they are probably referring to backdoor
attacks rather than referencing the cryptographic trapdoor function.
Backdoor attacks vary depending on the types of backdoors they use. We’ll explore those
different options now.
Lots of software developers include backdoors in their programs to give them easy administrative
access to various areas of their own systems. Doing so can help them to troubleshoot user
problems and fix vulnerabilities quickly. However, if these backdoors are discovered by
cybercriminals, they can be used to launch cyberattacks.
A malicious backdoor is one created for a malicious purpose. This process may involve hackers
installing backdoor malware through a targeted phishing email. For example, a bad actor might
infect the device of a government employee with a backdoor trojan, and then through the infected
device they begin worming their way into whatever networks the employee has access to. If the
hacker can eventually gain access to the code of an operating system, they can add backdoors to
allow for easy access in the future.
Many backdoors are just the result of human error. When a developer leaves a weak point in their
internet security systems, it can go undetected for a long time. If bad actors find the flaw
first, they can use it as a backdoor to the operating system or application.
While most backdoor attacks involve hackers gaining remote access to networks and devices
through software flaws, it’s also possible to include hardware backdoors in the physical
structure of a device. A good example is the Clipper chip that the NSA proposed. However, this
approach is high risk for a cybercriminal because it requires physical access to a targeted
device.
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A backdoor attack is not classified as a trojan.{‘ ‘}
Trojans are pieces of malware
that install themselves covertly, hiding inside another piece of software. If you download free
programs or applications — especially those hosted on disreputable or high-risk sites — they may
come bundled with trojans.
Backdoor attacks that rely on malware can often use trojan attacks as a delivery mechanism.
However, the term “backdoor attack” is wide-ranging, so this is just one strategy.
There are numerous examples of backdoor attacks hitting companies and websites. Here are some of
the most prominent backdoor attack cases:
1998, when a hacking collective (Cult of the Dead Cow) created a form of malware to exploit
weaknesses in the Windows operating system. This small program could be installed through a
trojan without alerting the system’s user. It then allowed the hacker to remotely control the
infected device.
backdoor. Juniper Networks (the same company that would later be the center of another
backdoor-related controversy) deliberately built backdoors into the firmware on some of their
products. With a preset master password, a user could gain administrative access to the
system.
to US government agencies, was targeted by hackers. The attackers were able to install
backdoors in SolarWinds software, allowing hackers to bypass security protocols and spy on the
internal activity of the US government for almost a year.
Backdoors can be perfectly legal, provided they are coded into software by the developers for
legitimate reasons and used safely. As we’ve covered, backdoors can be a normal part of
administrative and troubleshooting processes.
However, if a hacker finds or creates a backdoor and uses it to gain unauthorized access to a
piece of software, they are breaking the law.
That doesn’t mean all hackers who go looking for backdoors are criminals, of course. Many white
hat hackers work as{‘ ‘}
penetration testers.
These cybersecurity experts try to find accidental backdoors before the cybercriminals do so
that the vulnerabilities can be patched.
Individuals can only do a limited amount to protect themselves from backdoor attacks because
these incidents often involve large organizations and service providers rather than the devices
of normal users.
However, if you’re an employee who’s worried about allowing hackers to sneak into your company,
here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
visit high-risk websites, it’s easy to accidentally click on a malicious ad or a phishing
link, triggering a malware download. A work device, like a personal computer or phone, could
be a hacker’s access point to the entire company, so it’s your responsibility to protect it.
strangely or you’ve received a suspicious email, report these potential red flags to superiors
within your organization. If the company has a security team or specialist, contact them
directly.
but connecting to public Wi-Fi in a local cafe, on a train, or in a hotel could be risky.
These hotspots are often the hunting grounds of hackers, so use a{‘ ‘} VPN on your work device to keep your
online activity private.
accounts, and change the passwords regularly. You can use a{‘ ‘} password manager to store your
credentials so you don’t have to memorize them.
network from unauthorized access.
activity, which might indicate a backdoor being used.
If you think you’re the victim of a backdoor attack, take these steps to limit the potential
damage.
without authorization, that’s a crime, even if they’re taking advantage of a mistake you or
someone in your organization made. Contact the authorities immediately.
as well as consumers and clients — are made aware of the attack, the sooner they can take
steps to protect themselves (limiting how much information they send over a compromised
network, for example). It can be tempting to try to limit reputational damage by keeping the
information to yourself, but in the long run this can escalate the situation.
it’s likely that malware and trojans may have been covertly installed on your operating
systems. Look for any newly downloaded and unexplained programs and remove any of them that
aren’t meant to be there. Some trojans are relatively harmless, but others could be
facilitating a „backdoor“.
While there are no silver bullets when it comes to completely removing malicious backdoors’,
here are a few steps you can take.
and remove potentially malicious software running on your system. It’s best to have this
software installed even if you’re not the victim of a backdoor attack, of course.
system contains malware that is creating a backdoor. However, if the backdoor is coded into
the operating system itself — for example, if the hackers are just taking advantage of a
pre-existing administrative backdoor — a system rest won’t fix the problem.
you should be able to delete it manually. Some malware can be found easily or using the search
function of some antivirus software. Once you’ve located the file in question, delete it and
empty your trash bin.
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