What Does 'Keylogger' Mean?

A keylogger, also known as a keystroke logger or keyboard logger, is a type of software or hardware that tracks and records every keystroke made on a computer’s keyboard. It is often used for the purpose of monitoring and tracking the activity of a person or group without their knowledge.

Keyloggers can be used for a variety of purposes, including tracking employee activity, monitoring children’s internet usage, and even stealing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers.

There are two main types of keyloggers: hardware and software.

• Hardware keyloggers are physical devices that are attached to a computer’s keyboard and record every keystroke made on the keyboard. These devices are often small and discreet, making them difficult to detect.
• Software keyloggers, on the other hand, are programs that are installed on a computer and run in the background, recording keystrokes as they are made. These keyloggers can be installed by someone with physical access to the computer or remotely through the internet.

Keyloggers can be used for legitimate purposes, such as monitoring employee activity or tracking the internet usage of children. However, they can also be used for malicious purposes, such as stealing sensitive information or spying on someone without their knowledge.

As a result, keyloggers are often considered a security threat and can be illegal to use in certain circumstances.

To protect against keyloggers, it is essential to use antivirus software and to keep the operating system and other software up to date with the latest security patches. Additionally, it is a good practice to be aware of any unusual or suspicious activity on your computer, as this may indicate the presence of a keylogger.

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Keyloggers can be particularly dangerous because they are often difficult to detect. They are designed to run in the background and not show up on the computer’s list of installed programs or as a running process. This makes it difficult for the user to detect the presence of a keylogger and take action to remove it.

There are several ways in which keyloggers can be delivered to a computer. One common method is through the use of malware, which is software that is designed to infiltrate a computer and cause harm.

Malware can be delivered through various means, such as email attachments, infected websites, and even physical devices such as USB drives. Once the malware is installed on a computer, it can install a keylogger in the background without the user’s knowledge.

Another way in which keyloggers can be delivered is through the use of phishing scams. In a phishing scam, a person may receive an email or message purporting to be from a legitimate company or individual, asking them to click on a link or download a file.

If the person falls for the scam and clicks on the link or downloads the file, they may unknowingly install a keylogger on their computer.

Keyloggers can also be installed manually by someone with physical access to the computer. This may be done by a family member or employer who wants to monitor the activity of someone else or by a hacker who has gained unauthorized access to the computer.

If you suspect that your computer has been compromised by a keylogger, it is important to take immediate action to remove the keylogger and secure your system. This may involve running a malware scan, updating your operating system and other software, and changing your passwords.