Things You Need To Know About Keyloggers

Security has eventually turned out to be the most talked about issue of this virtual world, where even most vital and sensitive data and information are just a click away. There are many types of malicious codes and programs that look for an opportunity to attack innocent users and their devices to seek personal information, financial data, residential details, and many other things. A keylogger is a malicious program that logs and keeps a track of every key you press on your keyboard. It has the potential to capture your personal messages, passwords, credit card numbers, and everything else you type on a website, document or any other application. According to a 2013 report by Javelin Strategy & Research, this type of malware was responsible for $4.9 billion stolen from innocent users in 2012.

According to the reports of the ‘Pony botnet controller,’ a popular keylogger discovered during November 2013, the malicious software has infected thousands of computers and compromised the security of around 2 million online accounts. This infection cannot operate independently hence, they are generally installed by malware. Check your PC on a regular basis to rule out the possibility of this infection as it can be installed deliberately by protective parents, jealous spouses, or even employers who want to monitor your activities.

In this article, you’ll read about all the things that you need to know about the Keyloggers.

What are Hardware Keyloggers and how do they work?

Not all keyloggers are in software as some keyloggers can be implemented directly as hardware devices. A keyboard of a desktop PC is connected to the back of the computer by using a USB cable. To install an additional hardware that can monitor each and every activity on the keyboard, one can unplug the keyboard’s USB cable, and then attach a specialized USB device. This special device between the computer’s USB port and the keyboard’s USB connector functions as a keylogger and records all the keystrokes that are typed on that particular system.

The specialized USB device will intercept keyboard signals, store them on the device, and then pass it on to the computer to pretend that everything is working normally. Security software or antivirus program may not be able to detect this practice as it runs entirely in hardware form. Smart employers and parents will use this technique on computers that are hidden under a desk, as no one would be able to locate the device. The installer may come back later, grab the device and extract data with it hence, leaving no trace of keylogging software or suspicious network activity.

How a Keylogger can be installed on your PC?

This infection attacks average computers by accompanying a strong virus, malware or spyware. Once the system’s security is compromised, the malware installs a keylogger or starts functioning as a Trojan to download a keylogger along with other harmful software from an infected website. Keyloggers can be classified as popular form of malware and spyware as it allows the cyber criminals to steal credit card numbers, passwords, personal details, IPINs and other sensitive data.

For adding an extra layer of security on your PC, keystroke-logging software can be installed by someone who is close to you and wants to monitor your each and every activity. Apart from typical parental controls, some parents may also install software with keylogging feature to see everything their child types. Some employers might also install keystroke loggers on their employees’ computers to keep a check on everything they do. Although, this practice is unethical and illegal to a certain extent but laws vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

How to ensure that you’re safe from such infection or hardware device?

Keylogging software is nothing special but a type of malware that keeps a record of each and every activity that has taken place by using your keyboard, mouse and other stylus. Take similar precautions and run same prevention plans that you do while avoiding any other malware. Just pay a little more attention towards what you download and run on your devices. Using an effective antivirus program will restrict keyloggers from running on your system.

There are no special tips for preventing this infection, but being extra careful and exercising basic PC security practices can result in avoiding infection and resulting issues. For added security, always prefer to log into your bank’s website or other sensitive websites by using a software keyboard or online keyboard. Users are recommended to click buttons on the screen digitally rather than pressing buttons on your keyboard physically.

Keylogging can cause severe problems as it can easily compromise the data associated with your financial position, geographic location, your close friends and family, and any other important information. An antilogger can provide multi-level protection to ensure that if one of your security measures fails, you have multiple layers of protection to rely on. Monitor your bank accounts, social networking accounts, mail accounts, and other online accounts regularly and change their passwords from time-to-time to ensure enhanced security.

About the Author: Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online computer support with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of internet security and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe.

Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve computer security, with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.