Homonym: Trapdoor (Cryptography)
A trapdoor is a hinged or removable panel in a floor, ceiling, or wall that provides access to a hidden space. It is often used in buildings for various purposes, such as storage, secret passages, or to conceal mechanical systems. Trapdoors can be found in theaters, attics, and even in some types of furniture.
In the context of computer security, a trapdoor refers to a hidden method of bypassing normal authentication or encryption. This allows unauthorized access to a system or data, often without the knowledge of the user. Trapdoors can be intentionally created by developers or exploited by malicious actors.