Simply explained, a keylogger (KL) is a tool designed to monitor every operation performed on a computer keyboard through a software program or hardware device. This activity of recording keystrokes is also known as keylogging or keystroke logging.
Although keyloggers are not illegal programs, they are often used for malicious activities.
Active Applications of Keyloggers
Although commonly used for unauthorized activities, keyloggers also have some good uses. If used for good purposes, it can help parents monitor their children's computer usage, or companies can use keyloggers to monitor computer usage during work hours. employee's work. However, this requires the consent of the employees. Keyloggers can also be used to protect (record) passwords and other data in case the operating system crashes (though there are certainly better ways to do this). Additionally, scientists have recently begun using keystroke trackers as a tool to study human handwriting.
Negative applications of Keyloggers
As can be seen from its name, the purpose of a keylogger is to record each and every keystroke of the target computer, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Unfortunately, however, the most common uses of keyloggers involve malicious activity. Cyber criminals are widely using KL programs to steal sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, personal emails, bank account login information, and driver's license numbers. , etc.
Classification of Keylogger devices
Keylogging can be done using a software (software keylogger) or a hardware device (keylogger device). To compare keylogger software and keylogger devices, we need to understand the difference between the two. Although the most common type is software devices, we should also know how keylogger devices work.
Keylogger device:
Usually consists of a small chip or a wire connected to a desktop or laptop computer.
Most KL devices are easy to remove.
Collects information that can be reviewed by a computer-controlled program even after the chip or wire has been removed.
Usually the type of keylogger that companies want to use to monitor their employees.
Unlike software keyloggers, KL hardware device firmware versions can be plugged into the computer's BIOS and begin recording data as soon as the computer is turned on.
Wireless keystroke sniffers (wireless KL sniffers) can block communication between the wireless keyboard and the computer.
Keylogger software
Unfortunately, detecting a software keylogger is much more difficult. There are many types of keylogger software with many tracking methods and techniques, but in general, there are the following types:
This type includes a software program that is secretly installed on your computer by a hacker. This program can be downloaded directly by the computer (for example through phishing attacks) or can be downloaded remotely.
The most common keylogger software only records computer keyboard activity, but there are also modified versions of the software that are capable of taking screenshots and recording temporary memory storage (clipboard). ).
Less common types of KL software include: Javascript-based software (posted on websites), APIs (run within an application), and web forms (recording any data that is enter into web forms).
Prevent hardware keylogger devices
It is very unlikely that you will be attacked by a keylogger device, especially when you are indoors. However, this can happen in public. Because keylogger devices often use USB ports to operate, the best protection is to check the USB port area of the computer you are using.
When entering sensitive information, such as passwords, you can use your mouse to fool the keylogger. For example, enter the last character in your password first, then move your mouse in front of the character and enter the rest. Keyloggers will mistakenly think that your last character is the first character. You can also select and replace text as you type. You can try many variations of this method or other deceptive data entry techniques. However, they are not very effective and may not work with more complex types of keyloggers, for example devices that can simultaneously record screen or mouse activity.
Prevent keylogger software
Keyloggers are harder to detect, but installing a good antivirus program can help keep you safe.
Installing an anti-keylogger program is also an option, as these programs are specifically designed to detect, remove, and prevent keylogger attacks.
Be careful with attachments and links in emails. Do not click on ads and websites of unknown origin.
Keep your software applications and operating system up to date
Any user who engages in online banking or other money-related online activities must exercise special caution (including cryptocurrency users and traders).
How to detect and remove a keylogger
The easiest way to detect a keylogger software is to check for active programs from the system program section. If there is a program that looks strange, you should search online and try to determine whether it is from a legitimate program or from a known keylogger. Additionally, you should also check the traffic going out from your computer.
Removing a keylogger software is not an easy task, but it can be done. You should first try to install an anti-keylogger program on your system and check whether it can be removed. If your computer is still behaving strangely and you suspect that an anti-keylogger program cannot solve the problem, you may want to completely format and reinstall your operating system.