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Keylogging

What is keylogging?

Keylogging, also known as keystroke logging or keyboard capturing, is the process of secretly recording every keystroke made on a computer, often without the user's knowledge. A Keylogger is the software or hardware tool designed to perform keylogging. It records the keystrokes and often sends the data to a hacker or stores it for later retrieval.

How are keyloggers classified?

Based on the deployment method and how they capture the input data, keyloggers are classified as:

• Software keyloggers: These are programs installed on a computer, often disguised as legitimate software or bundled with other downloads, making them hard to detect.
• Hardware keyloggers: These are physical devices that are inserted between the keyboard and the computer. They intercept keystrokes before they reach the computer.

How is keylogging utilized?

Keylogging serves both legitimate and malicious purposes, depending on the intent of the user. It involves secretly recording the keystrokes typed on a computer, which can be used for various applications. Below are some common purposes of keylogging:

• Malicious purposes: (without user consent)
  • Data theft: Steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and personal data.
  • Espionage and blackmail: Monitor online activities for spying or extortion purposes.
• Legitimate purposes: (with user consent)
  • Parental control: Monitor children's online activities to ensure their safety.
  • Employee monitoring: Track employee productivity and enforce compliance with company policies, often with prior employee notification.
  • Research: Analyze typing patterns and user behaviour for studies and usability testing, typically after obtaining informed consent.

It is important to note that using keyloggers for malicious purposes can lead to legal penalties, including criminal charges.

Why is keylogging a serious security threat?

The consequences of keylogging can be severe, including:

• Identity theft: Hackers can use stolen information to impersonate individuals and commit fraud.
• Financial loss: Unauthorized access to bank accounts and credit cards can lead to significant financial losses.
• Reputational damage: Exposure of private and sensitive information can have serious personal and professional consequences.

How to protect against keylogging?

Protection against keylogging requires a combination of safe practices and security tools. Here are some effective steps:

• Download software carefully: Only install programs from trusted sources and avoid downloading unknown or uninvited software.
• Use strong and unique passwords: Create complex passwords and avoid reusing them across multiple accounts.
• Avoid suspicious links: Never click on links from unknown senders or untrusted websites.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA should be enabled wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Use virtual keyboards: Use on-screen keyboards to input sensitive information, bypass keyloggers, and screen-record malware.
• Install security software: Keyloggers are spyware, a category of malware that monitors and collects user activity. Use reliable antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall programs to detect and block threats. For businesses, email security solutions like Zoho eProtect provide advanced protection against email-based threats, including protection against malware.
• Update software regularly: Keep your operating system, applications, and security software updated to fix vulnerabilities and protect against keyloggers. Enable automatic updates for added security.
• Monitor your system regularly: Check for unusual activity, unexpected software installations, or strange network behaviour that may indicate a keylogger.

Following these steps helps minimize keylogging risk and protects sensitive information.