A keystroke logger can be hardware or software installed on a computer to secretly record keystrokes, and can be used for identity theft. They can be delivered within a Trojan horse, virus, program, or email attachment. Hardware keyloggers require direct access to the target computer. They can be used in the office to monitor employees or at home to monitor children or partners. They are viewed as unethical and an invasion of privacy. Spyware software can detect and remove keyloggers.
A keystroke logger, also called a keystroke logger or simply a keylogger, can be hardware or software installed on a computer to surreptitiously record keystrokes. The keystrokes are sent to a file that could be retrieved manually or surreptitiously emailed to the keylogger installer.
When a keyboard logger’s target is a remote computer without direct access, a keyboard logger can be delivered within a Trojan horse, virus, program, or email attachment. A software keylogger consists of a few lines of code and runs undetected, not even appearing in the Microsoft Windows task manager. Law enforcement agencies can use a keyboard logger to collect information such as emails sent, websites visited, chat dialogs, and encryption passwords or passphrases. Virtually anything a suspect types into his keyboard will end up in the log.
Keyboard loggers are widely available online from all major download sites and are easy to type. A malicious party can use a keystroke logger to secretly steal people’s personal information, including passwords, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and more. This is unfortunately a perfect tool for identity theft.
In addition to software keyloggers, there are also hardware keyloggers. These devices are only practical when you have direct access to the target computer. There are several models, but one popular type looks like a small adapter that plugs into the keyboard port on the back of your computer. The keyboard cable connects to the back of the recording device. Your device contains a small flash drive that records your keystrokes. It can then be taken to another computer where the internal drive can be read like a flash drive.
In the office, a keystroke logger installed on the network can inform managers or CEOs who is doing their work and who is playing games on the Internet. Emails between offices, personal emails – anything typed at work – will be sent to the keylogger, without the knowledge of the employees. Some people choose to install a keystroke logger at home to monitor what their children are doing online. Others want to see what their partner is up to.
Because keystroke loggers operate without the knowledge or permission of the target, many people view them as unethical and a clear invasion of privacy: a tool too easily abused in the wrong hands, with too many “wrong hands” using them. To protect yourself from a malicious keylogger, you can install some popular spyware software that is designed to detect and remove keyloggers. Not all spyware performs this function, so read the fine print. Of those that do, they may not guarantee detection of all keyloggers, but every step you take reduces your chances of falling victim to an abusive keylogger.
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