What is a computer system backdoor?

Question

In laymen's terms, what is a "backdoor" in computer systems? I'm not technologically savvy and most descriptions I've found have too much jargon for me to fully understand. What's its purpose and what does it do? Do all computer systems come with backdoors or is that something created by the user? If you're in somebody else's backdoor, do they then have access into your backdoor/system? Does this compromise security? How can you tell if someone's accessed your system? How much damage can be done if somebody else is able to enter your backdoor? Is there any way to prevent that?

Answer 1

A backdoor is a term used to describe some code that gives its creator unauthorized access to computers on which the code is running. Assume I wrote a program like Winamp and you use it to listen to music but the program also allows me to access your PC without your being aware of it. that would be a backdoor
A backdoor is unethical and nopes, no computer should come preinstalled with it. Usually, its something you download for free that installs it for ou.
Backdoors can seriously compromise your security and act as a nuisense for others. If I had access to your PC, I could also use your PC to attack other people's computers and make it look like you did it!
The way to identify backdoors needs a lot of practice. It often involves looking around for what kinds of programs are running on your PC, what kind of data is being sent out by your PC etc. It often needs a lot of expertise to catch a backdoor.
Constant vigilance is the way to avoid it. You need to ensure that you never download stuff from people you dont trust

Hope, this description was easy enough for you!

Answer 2

A backdoor is a slang term for entering a computer anyway except the conventional way of logging on with your username and password.
Backdoors are built in to all Windows Operating systems and need to be closed in order to prevent malicious attacks from hackers and crackers. There are a number of software programs available that exploit this security hole in Windows which are sometimes called backdoor software. When a hacker has successfully exploited a system he or she essentially creates his own user name and password that will work on your computer. The easiest way to prevent backdoors and other malicious attacks (malware) is to NOT use Windows software. email me at [e-mail] for how to get software that is virtually virus free

Answer 3

A backdoor is usually put in by the writer(s) of a program. Not all programs have backdoors though. It is a hidden way for the programmer to get into the program once it's been sent out to the client.