Has a hacker constructed a backdoor in your network? The attack on Microsoft’s Exchange Server email software is all over the news because hackers used its vulnerabilities to establish backdoors. Once established, backdoors can be hard to root out.
What exactly is a backdoor? Backdoors are unauthorized hard to trace access to your business’ network by hackers working remotely. It’s not a new trick but originally designed by system developers for specific uses.
Hackers adopted, refined, and are ruthlessly using it to gain unprecedented access. The recent SolarWinds network management software hack affecting thousands of companies and governments involved a backdoor.
How can you keep a backdoor from being built into your network? Watch out for a RAT. Not the rodent but a bit of malware whose code includes a backdoor with administrative control.
One of the best defenses is educating employees to scrutinize attachments before downloading. Malware disguised as valid attachments and then downloaded damages networks and disrupts business regularly. Malware with a backdoor allows hackers to enter your network seamlessly whenever they want.
Hackers then steal information such as passwords, install more malware, and even shut down devices. An advanced anti-virus program with firewall and network monitoring helps keep hackers at bay, too. The best anti-virus software sniffs out malware.
A firewall only allows authorized users in, and the best network monitoring tools flag questionable activity immediately. It’s imperative to apply updates and patches right away and check your network for any suspicious activity, even after updating.
Author: Kris Keppeler, a writer who finds technology fascinating and loves humor. She writes for Crossing Genres on Medium.com and Does This Happen to You? on Channillo. Award-winning podcast producer who enjoys telling stories. Follow her @KrisKKAria on Twitter or on LinkedIn.
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