Backdoor
What is Backdoor?
A hidden method of bypassing normal authentication to gain access to a system. Backdoors can be installed by malware, left behind by attackers after an initial breach, or even built into software by compromised developers. Once in place, a backdoor allows the attacker to return at will — even after you've changed passwords or patched the original vulnerability.
How backdoors are planted through supply chain attacks →
Why this matters for Canadian businesses
Understanding Backdoor is part of building a security programme that meets the 13 Baseline Cyber Security Controls published by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (ITSM.10.089) — the Government of Canada's recommended minimum standard for small and medium organizations. You can measure your organization against all 13 controls with our free cybersecurity assessment.
For the wider picture on how Canadian small and medium businesses are performing, see The Cybersecurity Canada Report 2026, our annual benchmark of incident rates, breach costs, and regulation affecting Canadian organizations.
Cite This Page
Suggested citation:
Cybersecurity Canada (2026). Backdoor. Retrieved from https://cybersecuritycanada.ca/glossary/backdoor/
Permanent URL: https://cybersecuritycanada.ca/glossary/backdoor/
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