Backdoors and Rootkits
A backdoor is a way of accessing a computer without going through the normal access routines such as entering a name and password. It can be installed by a virus or even by legitimate programs.
This is closely related to another type of attack known as a rootkit, which is used to conceal programs of files to help hackers avoid detection. A rootkit can be used to open a backdoor, allowing hackers into a system. An example of a virus that installs a backdoor is the MyDoom worm, created to send junk mail from infected computers.
One of the most famous rootkits was installed when a copy-protected Sony CD was played on a computer.
Next: Virus Quiz 6
