backdoor

word

Definition

A backdoor is a door at the rear of a building, or a secret way to enter a place or system. In computers, a backdoor means a hidden way to access a computer program or data.

Usage & Nuances

"Backdoor" is both literal (physical door) and figurative, common in tech as 'backdoor access.' In IT/security, often refers to hidden entries created by hackers or software. Don't confuse with 'back door' (space), which can also describe the physical door—'backdoor' (one word) more often means the hidden/secret sense. Formal and informal contexts.

Example Sentences

There is a backdoor to the garden.

basic

He left through the backdoor.

basic

The backdoor was unlocked all night.

basic

The hackers installed a backdoor to steal data from the server.

natural

Do you have a backdoor into the building if we get locked out?

natural

Someone discovered a backdoor in the company’s software last year.

natural