Question 1

What is a backdoor in cybersecurity?

Accepted Answer

A backdoor is any method that can allow another user to access your device without your knowledge or consent (and usually without the device’s knowledge, either). A backdoor can be installed by software and hardware developers, or it can be installed by cybercriminals in order to gain unauthorized access to a device, install malware, steal user data, or sabotage a network.

Question 2

How do backdoor attacks work?

Accepted Answer

In a backdoor attack, hackers first find a weak point or a compromised application in your device to exploit — this could be a vulnerability in an application, an open port on your network, an account with a weak password, or a piece of malware that was installed on your device.

The hacker then uses complex tools to deceive your device, your network, or your online account into thinking that the backdoor is a legitimate application.

Once your device is compromised, the backdoor can be used to deploy malware onto your device (like cryptojackers, rootkits, or ransomware), steal your data and spy on your activity, or just install viruses to crash your device.

Question 3

What can cybercriminals do with a backdoor?

Accepted Answer

Depending on how sophisticated a backdoor program is, it can allow hackers to perform malicious activities such as DDoS attacks, sending and receiving files, changing system settings, taking screenshots, and playing tricks like opening and closing the DVD drive.

Hackers can even remotely access your device from their computer using a backdoor, navigating all of your files and software from the safety of their own home.

Edward Snowden revealed that the NSA had forced backdoors into tons of user electronics and even widespread cryptographic protocols, enabling them to listen in on anybody’s conversations, activate microphones and cameras, and gather user data remotely.

Question 4

How can you prevent backdoor attacks?

Accepted Answer

There are strategies that can be used to prevent and reduce the risk of a backdoor attack, but the first and most important step in staying safe from malware is getting a reliable antivirus program.

For example, Norton 360 comes with real-time protection (which can prevent backdoor malware from being installed on your computer), a firewall (which can detect and prevent unwanted web traffic), a password manager (which can keep your accounts from getting broken into), a vulnerability scanner (which can tell you if you need software updates), and dark web monitoring (which can warn you if your data has been breached).

Aside from that, just use good common sense online. Only use HTTPS websites whenever possible, avoid pirate websites, don’t give your personal information to untrustworthy sites, and scan any files you download with an antivirus program.

Ana Jovanovic

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