A secret way to take control of a computer. Also called "trap doors," back doors are built into software by the original programmer, who can gain access to the computer by entering a code locally or remotely. For example, a back door in an application would enable a person to activate either normal or hidden functions within the software. A back door in an operating system would provide access to all system functions in the computer. See
encryption backdoor,
Easter Egg and
Back Orifice.