The key to understanding encryption backdoors is to remember that many cybersecurity protocols are built with the knowledge that humans are prone to errors and, on occasion, need a backup plan.
Like the spare house key, you can hide under the mat, encryption backdoors are built-in bypasses that allow authorized personnel to undo the process of encryption in the case of emergencies. However, when not properly protected, these same built-in bypasses can be exploited by attackers and used as backdoors into your encrypted information.