Most of you are new to the concept of the keylogger program. For some of you, this might be the first time you’ve heard about the term - keylogger. To give you a clear picture and make you understand better, we are going to discuss Keylogger in this article. So, let's dive into the deep of Keylogger -

What is a Keylogger?

Keyloggers are also known as keystroke loggers. A keylogger is a small program that monitors each and every keystroke a user types on a specific keyboard of a computer or a mobile device. A keylogger program can be installed in just a few seconds and once installed, you are only a step away from getting the target password and other sensitive data.

Keyloggers are generally installed by malware, but they may also be installed by protective parents, jealous spouses, or employers who want to monitor their employees.

A keylogger can record instant messages, email, and capture any information you type at any time using your keyboard, including usernames, passwords and other personally identifiable information (PII). The log file created by the keylogger can then be sent to a specified receiver. Some keylogger programs will also record any email addresses you use and the URLs of any websites you visit.

How does it work?

Keylogging software is essentially just another type of malware. The malware may include a keylogger or function as a Trojan that downloads the keylogger along with other harmful software. Keyloggers are a popular form of malware because they allow criminals to steal sensitive data and passwords. Keylogging software runs hidden in the background, making a note of each keystroke you type. The software could scan through the file for certain types of text - for example, it could look for sequences of numbers that look like card numbers and upload them to a malicious server so they can be abused.

Keylogging software may also be combined with other types of computer monitoring software, so the attacker would be able to see what you typed when you visited your bank’s website and narrow in on the information they want. A keylogger could detect the first keystrokes you typed into an online game or chat program, stealing your password.

Someone could also look through the entire log history to spy on you and see what you search for and type online. Computer-monitoring software intended for use by parents or employers may often combine the keylogger with a screenshot program, so someone can read through a history of what you typed combined with screenshots of what was on your computer screen at the time.

How do keyloggers spread?

• Keyloggers can be installed when a user clicks on a link or opens an attachment/file from a phishing mail.

• Keyloggers can be installed through the webpage script. This is done by exploiting a vulnerable browser and the keylogger is launched when the user visits the malicious website.

• A keylogger can be installed when a user opens a file attached to an email.

• A keylogger can be installed via a web page script which exploits a browser vulnerability. The program will automatically be launched when a user visits an infected site.

• A keylogger can exploit an infected system and is sometimes capable to download and install other malware to the system.

What can you do to protect your sensitive data by yourself?

For avoiding keyloggers, you must maintain your computer or mobile devices by avoiding actions that could negatively affect your computer, smartphone or tablet, like visiting dangerous websites or downloading infected programs, videos or games. Here are some best practices -

• Use caution when opening attachments - files received via email, P2P networks, chat, social networks, or even text messages (for mobile devices) can be embedded with malicious software that has a keylogger.

• Watch your passwords - Consider using one-time passwords and make sure key sites you log into offer two-step verification. You could also use a password manager and also prevent keylogging since you are not typing in any information on the site as the password manager will do that for you.

• Try an alternative keyboard layout - Most of the keylogger software available is based on the traditional QWERTY layout so if you use a keyboard layout such as DVORAK, the captured keystrokes do not make sense unless converted.

• Use a comprehensive security solution - Protect all your devices - PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets - with a solution that offers antivirus, firewall, as well as identity and data protection.

• Virtual Keyboard helps to avoid personal data interception by the hackers. It is a software used to allow the users to input characters without the actual need for physical keys.