Information, Computer and Network Security Terms Glossary and
Dictionary
Hidden file
Hidden files are not displayed by default when browsing the file system from the command line. Hidden files are generally important files relating to a user’s environment and are a target for exploits by hackers. On UNIX/Linux platforms, hidden files are files whose names begin with a period (“.”), and they are therefore often called dot files. Examples of hidden files commonly found in home directories include .login, .mailrc, and .forward. Once an attacker has compromised a system, attackers may create hidden directories with unusual names such as “.....” to hide utilities they may install such as backdoors and Trojans. The "find" command can be used to search for hidden files on a UNIX system.
Related Terms
Hidden file
|
