Keylogger is the word that we generally hear when people are talking about hacking. If You have ever searched for Facebook or Gmail hacking tools, I am sure you already know something about Keyloggers. Keyloggers are generally used to hack Facebook, Gmail, Yahoo, and other social media accounts, email accounts, and website accounts. It is very harmful but it is also used for good purposes too.
What is Keylogger?
In simple terms, Keylogger is software that records the keystrokes in a system and saves these keystrokes in a log file. Most of the time these log files are encrypted. If a keylogger is installed on your computer, all the keystrokes are recorded it in a separate log file. Keyloggers have also the ability to send these log files to a specific email id via email whenever the system is connected to the Internet.
Basically, Keyloggers were designed to record keystrokes. But advanced keyloggers can also record voice conversations and clipboard data.
If there is a Keylogger or Key Logging Software in your system, it records all the activities of your computer and saves it in log files. Now think that what important data you type on your computer with a keyboard. You enter the password in your various social media and email accounts. You also use net banking and type passwords and credit card numbers. All these things are being recorded by Keylogger. This is the main reason why we call it one of the biggest security risks.
Sometimes keyloggers are used for legitimate surveillance but most of the time these are used for hacking purposes. Legitimate surveillance can be in companies where all company administrators want to check what other employees are doing while at work.
Types of Keyloggers
There are basically two types of Keyloggers:
- Software Keyloggers
- Hardware Keyloggers
Software Keyloggers
Software Keyloggers are designed to run on the target computer and then record every keystroke. There are many kinds of software keyloggers based on their function. Some keyloggers can record keystrokes and store them in a file the target computer. But some comes with advanced feature and are able to send these log files to a specific email id whenever connected to the Internet.
Some software keyloggers can also analyze the packets and retrieve passwords in HTTP requests.
Some most popular Keyloggers are Winspy and Sniper Spy. These premium keyloggers offer lot more features. You can either use these keyloggers for hacking or legitimate purposes. It depends on your choice.
Warning: Hacking other people’s account may be crime in your country. We do not encourage the use of keyloggers for illegal activities
Hardware Keylogger
Hardware Keylogger is also used for Keystroke logging. This is a cylindrical gadget that is plugged inline between a computer and a keyboard. These are implemented via BIOS-level firmware and can record all keystroke signals sent from the keyboard.
Based on the features, these can also be classified into some types. Some hardware Keyloggers work with traditional Keyboards but some also work with a wireless keyboard.
The only way to retrieve data from these keyloggers is to remove the keylogger from the installed computer.
How to detect and remove keyloggers
If you are worried about your security, you should install the latest antivirus application and always update it regularly. Most of the keyloggers are easily detected by antivirus programs. You should also try to update your system with the latest operating system updates. You can also use some anti-keylogger software programs that are designed to detect Keylogger in your system.
You can also use some anti-keylogger software programs that are designed to detect Keylogger in your system.
While using Internet banking, you should use an on-screen keyboard that is generally present in all banking websites. If you use an n-screen keylogger, no keylogger can see your password.
here are some general steps you can take to detect and remove keyloggers:
- Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: Ensure that you have reputable antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your computer. Keep the software up to date and perform regular scans of your system. These tools can help detect and remove known keyloggers and other malicious software.
- Monitor System Behavior: Keep an eye on any unusual behavior on your computer that could indicate the presence of a keylogger. Look for signs such as unexpected system crashes, slow performance, or abnormal network activity. These may be indications of a keylogger running in the background.
- Analyze Running Processes: Use the Task Manager or a process monitoring tool to review the list of running processes on your computer. Look for any suspicious or unfamiliar processes that you cannot identify. Conduct an online search for the process name to determine if it is associated with a keylogger.
- Check Startup Programs: Examine the list of programs that run at system startup. Use the Task Manager or a startup management tool to review the startup programs and disable any suspicious or unknown entries. Keyloggers often attempt to run at system startup to ensure their persistence.
- Use Anti-Keylogger Tools: There are specialized anti-keylogger software tools available that can help detect and remove keyloggers. These tools search for keylogger signatures, behavior patterns, and known keylogger files on your system. Consider using reputable anti-keylogger software and follow their instructions to scan and remove keyloggers.
- Perform Manual Inspection: Manually inspect system files and directories where keyloggers may hide. Keyloggers can sometimes be disguised as legitimate files or processes, so it requires careful examination. Look for suspicious files, folders, or registry entries that you do not recognize. Exercise caution when modifying system files or registry keys, as making incorrect changes can cause system instability.
- Update Operating System and Software: Keep your operating system, web browsers, and other software up to date with the latest security patches. Software updates often include bug fixes and security enhancements that can help protect against keyloggers and other malware.
- Be Cautious with Downloads and Email Attachments: Avoid downloading software or files from untrusted sources, as they may contain keyloggers or other malware. Exercise caution with email attachments, particularly from unknown or suspicious senders. Scan any downloaded files or email attachments with antivirus software before opening them.
