What Is a Keylogger
Keystroke logging, often referred to as keylogging or keyboard capturing, is the action of recording (logging) the keys struck on a keyboard, typically covertly, so that the person using the keyboard is unaware that their actions are being monitored. A keylogger can be either software or hardware.
Keyloggers are integral parts of some adware and spyware programs. Other Keyloggers are installed separately as standalone programs, and marketed as employee or parental monitoring systems. While the programs themselves are legal, with many of them being designed to allow employers to oversee the use of their computers, keyloggers are most often used for the purpose of stealing passwords and other confidential information.
A keylogger is exactly what it sounds like, a program that logs every keystroke that you type at your computer. This can be incredibly dangerous. Just think about some of the things that you type in. If you use online banking, you enter the user name and password for your bank account, maybe even the account numbers. If you order games or clothes online, you enter your parents’ credit card numbers. If you apply for credit or jobs online, you enter your social security number and other personal data—everything a thief would need to take over your identity.
Some keyloggers can also capture your screen at random intervals; these are known as screen recorders. Keylogger software typically stores your keystrokes in a small file, which is either accessed later or automatically emailed to the person monitoring your actions.
A keylogger can be installed on your computer any number of ways. Anyone with access to your computer could install it; keyloggers could come as a component part of a virus or from any application installation, despite how deceptively innocent it may look. This is part of the reason why you should always be sure you’re downloading files from a trusted resource.
Hackers have been planting keyboard loggers on users’ PCs without their knowledge for many years. The only solution to this problem is to adequately protect your machine.
How to Prevent Malware From Infecting Your Computer
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