Backdoors: how do they work and how to protect your company?

The almost uninterrupted generation of data also requires adequate protection against external attacks and even attacks from within the company. Companies in various segments are constantly faced with cyber threats , which aim to invade systems and carry out a series of criminal actions, such as deleting important files and hijacking valuable data.

In this article, we will explain a threat called a backdoor. You will understand what it is, how it installs itself on company computers and what are the best practices to avoid infection on company machines and servers. Keep reading!

What are backdoors?

We can translate the term backdoor as “back door”. We are talking about malware capable of promoting remote access by criminals to a company’s systems. In practice, it is possible, for example, for a malicious individual to be able to access databases and even illicitly manipulate the information contained therein.

In addition, the backdoor can be installed in company systems via mobile devices. However, this is often the gateway for other cyberattacks, such as:

• ransomware;
• phishing;
• DDoS, or denial of service;
• crypto jacking, which is when the computer simulates cryptocurrency mining, becoming very slow and damaging its conventional operation.

How are backdoors used?

Based on the cyberattacks mentioned above, it is quite clear that the purpose of a malicious backdoor is to steal or manipulate data. However, it is important to clarify the following: not all backdoors are malicious. Some companies use them in their software so that they can update them whenever necessary, remotely.

When building an application, it is common for developers to use backdoors. However, before they are commercialized, there is a risk that they forget to disable them in the code, so that the user is not aware that the system they are operating has this tool.

Unfortunately, in some cases, they keep them on purpose. And if they have a malicious professional, for example, they have free access to the client's systems.

What are the dangers of using backdoors?

It would be great to say that only cybercriminals use backdoors. The reality, however, is that both private and government companies can use this device, for somewhat obscure reasons. In certain cases, it is necessary to audit the application code to disprove any suspicion of the existence of malware there.

Not only computers are susceptible to backdoors, but also mobile devices. This is malware that attacks both software and hardware, and can be the gateway for several other attacks. Once perpetrated, the company's operating system functions are at risk of being blocked, or even worse, data is hijacked and criminals force victims to pay the ransom.

Ransomware is a cyber attack that works exactly as we mentioned earlier. Several companies around the world have already been affected, causing significant financial and reputational losses.

To top it off, malicious backdoors can seriously hinder a company's compliance with the LGPD . If, for example, sensitive customer data was improperly accessed and leaked, the company will hardly escape being penalized, including fines.

How to protect yourself in this regard?

In general terms, defending against backdoors involves reinforcing the security of the network and all of the company's devices, whether they are computers or mobile devices. Protecting yourself from this type of threat also involves employees being aware and having good character, so that they can report anything suspicious to IT when they are carrying out activities in the company.

Use firewalls

By defining rules, the firewall blocks data traffic that could cause problems for the business. This is precisely the traditional firewall, responsible for checking the status, port and protocol of potentially suspicious traffic.

Another interesting firewall option is UTM, which is aimed at unified threat management. Basically, it works by both inspecting the state of traffic and protecting systems against cyberattacks, and can also incorporate additional protections.

Be careful with downloads

Downloads from untrusted sources are a breeding ground for all sorts of threats, including backdoors. It is up to the company's IT department to develop security policies in this regard, instructing employees to always consult the department before downloading any file from the internet.

Use strong passwords

Whether in a company or outside of it, you have to deal with countless passwords. When this happens, people are very motivated to create the simplest combinations of numbers and letters, but this considerably increases the risk of suffering threats such as backdoors.

Just as important as strong passwords is the use of multi-factor authentication. This is a practice that can greatly reduce the risk of your company's systems receiving unauthorized access and your data being exposed.

Do not open suspicious emails

Social engineering continues to be one of the main ways for cybercriminals to succeed in their endeavors. Using email, the idea is to convey as much truthfulness as possible, inducing the company's user to click on a link and be directed to a specific web page.

Fortunately, it is not that difficult to know whether an email is genuine or not. Often, the sender's address is very long and full of characters, so it is important for the employee to report this to IT, so that they can carry out a more in-depth analysis of this possible threat.

Backdoors can be used for both good and bad purposes. In the first case, software manufacturers use them to update systems remotely, without risk to the customer. On the other hand, they can also be used to monitor business data for unknown purposes. It is worth noting that backdoors can come through the network, in downloads and through unprotected mobile devices.