Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

How do attackers typically gain access to a system through a backdoor?

1. By embedding code in legitimate software

2. Using known vulnerabilities in software

3. By exploiting weaker passwords

4. Through physical access to the hardware

The correct answer is: Using known vulnerabilities in software

Attackers typically gain access to a system through a backdoor by using known vulnerabilities in software. A backdoor is a method that allows unauthorized users to bypass normal authentication procedures and gain access to a system. When attackers exploit known vulnerabilities in software, they take advantage of flaws or weaknesses that have been documented and observed, such as unpatched security holes, to execute their malicious code and install a backdoor. This allows them to maintain access to the system without detection, even if regular authentication measures are in place. Using known vulnerabilities is a common method because it takes advantage of the existing environment's weaknesses, often without necessitating any changes to the existing software or hardware configuration. Attackers can use exploits that are available publicly or that they have developed to specifically target system components, making this method a prevalent strategy in malicious cyber activities.