back door

back door definition - telecom
A means of gaining access to a computer program or system by bypassing the normal authentication and other security procedures and mechanisms. Programmers often create back doors so that they can fix bugs and speed development work. If the back door code is left in place when the software goes into general release, it creates a considerable security risk. See also authentication, bug, and Clipper Chip.

Webster's New World Telecom Dictionary Copyright © 2008 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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