backdoor
Hidden system access
A backdoor is a rear or secondary entrance, but the word usually carries connotations of secrecy or circumvention.
A backdoor deal happens through unofficial channels.
In computing, a backdoor is a hidden method of bypassing normal authentication—sometimes built in by developers, sometimes installed by hackers.
As an adjective: backdoor access, backdoor negotiations.
Also spelled back door or back-door.
Small rear gate
- service entranceRear access for workers
- side entranceNon-primary building access
- tradesman's entranceRear door for workers
- loading dockRaised platform for freight
Notable act or abuse
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- malwareHarmful computer programs
spyware · keylogger · intrusion · breach · remote access · payload · shell · privilege escalation
Concealed information
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
stealthy · undercover · hidden · unofficial · off-the-record · under-the-table · illicit · furtive
Exploitable gap in rules
- workaroundMakeshift bypass of difficulty
- exemptionRelease from requirement
- carve-outExempted portion or provision
- fine printMiniature contractual text
technicality · exception · escape clause · rider · amendment · provision · tax shelter · offshore
Corrupt payment for influence
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- payoffCulminating benefit received
- under-the-tableSecret and unofficial
insider · collusion · graft · cronyism · nepotism · favoritism · quid pro quo · palm-greasing
postern
Small rear gate
- service entranceRear access for workers
- side entranceNon-primary building access
- tradesman's entranceRear door for workers
loading dock · fire escape · emergency exit · hidden passage · sally port
exploit
Notable act or abuse
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
malware · spyware · keylogger · intrusion · breach · remote access · payload · shell · privilege escalation · code injection
secret
Concealed information
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
sneaky · stealthy · undercover · hidden · unofficial · off-the-record · under-the-table · illicit · furtive · covert
loophole
Exploitable gap in rules
- workaroundMakeshift bypass of difficulty
- exemptionRelease from requirement
- carve-outExempted portion or provision
fine print · technicality · exception · escape clause · rider · amendment · provision · tax shelter · offshore · evasion
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- payoffCulminating benefit received
under-the-table · insider · collusion · graft · cronyism · nepotism · favoritism · quid pro quo · palm-greasing · influence peddling
- surveillance lawwiretap, FISA, phone tap, electronic surveillance, eavesdropping
- securitysecurity guard, security cameras, alarm system, security system, lock
- escapeescape, flee, run away, get away, flight
- tech problemsbug, paper jam, low ink, dropped calls, bugs
- exitsexit, escape, way out, egress, emergency exit
- shortcutsshortcut, shorthand, hotkey, keyboard shortcut, hack
backdoorfront door
Primary household entry point
main entrance · front gate · main gate · grand entrance · foyer
backdoorrevealed
Made visible or known
transparent · overt · open · public · disclosed
backdoorofficial
Authority-sanctioned person or status
authorized · legitimate · front door · main entrance · aboveboard