{"id":109184,"date":"2023-07-20T17:15:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T21:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/?p=109184"},"modified":"2024-06-06T15:15:02","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T19:15:02","slug":"what-is-a-keylogger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/blog\/what-is-a-keylogger","title":{"rendered":"What is a Keylogger? Keystroke Logging & How to Prevent It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A shadowy intruder often lurks unseen, silently threatening your personal data’s sanctity. Meet the ‘Keylogger,’ a master of disguise, adept at eavesdropping on each keystroke you make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your passwords, credit card details, and even your private conversations are fair game. So, how about a deep dive into the underbelly of the keylogger’s world? Let’s unravel the mystery together, dissect how it works, and arm ourselves with effective countermeasures like managing your endpoints and using phishing-resistance credentials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hold onto your seats; it will be an enlightening ride into the world of keystroke logging and its prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Keylogger?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A keylogger, short for keystroke logger, is a type of surveillance software or hardware that records every keystroke made on a specific computer or network without the user’s consent or knowledge. This tool can capture and record all keyboard inputs, including but not limited to, passwords, usernames, emails, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. While some legitimate uses exist for keyloggers, such as parental control or employee monitoring, they are often associated with malicious activities like identity theft, fraud, or spying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Keylogger a Virus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A keylogger, or keystroke logger, itself is not a virus but a type of software or hardware tool. However, it can be used maliciously and be part of a virus, Trojan, or other type of malware. When a keylogger is embedded in malicious software, it can be installed on a user’s device without their knowledge, often with the aim of collecting sensitive information like usernames, passwords, credit card details, and other private data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this context, the keylogger operates much like a virus, hidden from view and working against the interests of the user. Therefore, while a keylogger isn’t a virus in itself, it can be a component of a virus or other malicious software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does a Keylogger Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A keylogger works by monitoring and recording every keystroke on a computer or a network. Here’s a simplified explanation of how this process unfolds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, the keylogger must be installed on the target device. This can be done physically for hardware keyloggers (e.g., devices that plug into the keyboard or computer) or remotely for software keyloggers, typically downloaded as part of a malware package or via deceptive links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Capture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once installed, the keylogger begins to monitor and record all keystrokes made on the device. Some advanced keyloggers can also capture screenshots, track web browsing activity, record copied text on the clipboard, and even capture chat and email messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Storage and Transmission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The keylogger stores the collected data in a file, usually in an encrypted format for later retrieval. Software keyloggers may also send this data over the internet to a remote server controlled by the attacker. The transmission can happen at regular intervals or after a certain amount of data has been collected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Retrieval<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the person who installed the keylogger accesses the data, either by physically retrieving the device (in the case of a hardware keylogger), accessing the file on the computer, or by collecting it from the remote server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The effectiveness of a keylogger depends largely on its ability to remain hidden from the user and any security software that may be installed on the device. For this reason, keyloggers are often designed to be difficult to detect, making them a potent tool in the hands of cybercriminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hardware vs. Software Keyloggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both hardware and software keyloggers serve the same fundamental purpose \u2013 to record keystrokes on a device \u2013 but they differ in their methods of deployment, operation, and detection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td>Hardware Keyloggers<\/strong><\/td>Software Keyloggers<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Installation<\/strong><\/td>Physically connected to a computer’s keyboard and USB\/PS2 port. Does not require any software or special privileges.<\/td>Installed onto a system via deceptive downloads, email attachments, or by exploiting system vulnerabilities.<\/td><\/tr>
Operation<\/strong><\/td>Starts recording keystrokes as soon as the computer is turned on. Limited storage capacity for data.<\/td>Can log keystrokes, take screenshots, capture clipboard data, record browsing history, and send data remotely to a server or email address.<\/td><\/tr>
Detection and Removal<\/strong><\/td>Hard to detect through software, but can be easily discovered during a physical inspection of the computer.<\/td>Can be detected and removed by antivirus or antispyware programs, though some employ methods to avoid detection.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hardware Keyloggers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hardware keyloggers are physical devices that are typically connected between the computer’s keyboard and the USB or PS\/2 port<\/a>. Some advanced models are designed to be connected internally to prevent easy detection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n