Personal Safety
Children Online
Online Dangers to Kids
Child Safety Tips
Adult Safety
Online Dating
Meeting People
Cyberbullies
Social Networking
Phishing
Social Engineering

Computer Safety
Hackers
Passwords
Spyware
Backdoors
Keyloggers
Viruses
Antivirus
Firewalls
Spam
Hoaxes
Scams

Internet Manners
Netiquette
Copyrights & the Internet
Bandwidth Theft

 

What is a keylogger?

A keylogger, or keystroke logger is a device which monitors a user by recording the order of keys pressed on the user's computer.  There are two types of keystroke loggers:

1. Hardware:  This consists of a physical component that is connected between the user's keyboard and their computer.  Some keyboards have keystroke loggers built in.
2. Software:  This is a program that can be secretly installed on the user's computer.  It can be either a stand-alone program, or part of a remote administration tool (backdoor program).

How does a keylogger work?

As the user is typing information into their computer, the keystroke logger collects the information as it is typed - before any encryption can take place.  It can passively collect the data to be retrieved off the user's computer.  Or, the data can be transmitted to another user in a remote location.  A hardware keylogger might need to be physically retrieved from the user's system before the data can be accessed.

Who uses keystroke loggers?

As with any tool, whether it is used for good or evil is determined by who is using it and the purpose for which they are using it.  Keystroke loggers are used by many different groups, such as:

• Government and law enforcement officials:  They use keystroke loggers to monitor.  They also use keyloggers to collect information on foreign governments, terrorists, etc. for intelligence purposes.
• Businesses:  Keyloggers are often used in office situations to monitor employee productivity, or to keep an eye on employees who might be considered "troublemakers."
• Parents:  They will use keylogger programs to monitor their children's activities online.  Parents use them to make sure their children are not engaging in inappropriate internet activities such as giving out personal information, or taking part in cyberbullying, etc.
• Husbands/wives/private investigators:  Keyloggers can be used to monitor a spouse if there is suspicion of infidelity.
• Criminals:  They love to be able to get their hands on valuable customer data (e.g.: credit card numbers) from corporations, or to steal trade secrets.  Keyloggers are also used to steal information from personal computers so that the criminals can establish an identity in that user's name.
• Disgruntled ex's:  Keyloggers are used in this case to keep tabs on what their ex spouse or boy/girlfriend is doing.  They will use the information to harass, frighten or stalk the ex.

© Copyright 2004 - 2008
All Rights Reserved.
Page last updated January 26, 2008