Keyloggers and How to Defend Yourself

This article will discuss the negative impact of keyloggers. While there are many positive uses of this software, I will focus on the negative side, since I am a security consultant.

Keyloggers are simple programs that record keystrokes made on a keyboard. They have legitimate uses, such as parental controls and employee monitoring. But they can also be used for malicious activities, like recording keystrokes from someone logging into their bank account. This particular form of hacking is becoming widespread, and is now considered to be the number one way information is stolen. Keyloggers can be installed virtually undetected. Many perpetrators are using them in ads, so that when a person clicks on the ad, the software installs itself. Another popular way to install a key logger is through email. The email can be worded so enticing that the receiver will open the attachment, thus installing the software unnoticed.

How can a person protect themselves from this software being used for malicious purposes? Education and reinforcement of safety measures can help reduce key logger crimes. Most anti-virus software now comes with signatures for known keyloggers, so scanning the email before opening it is very important. Companies can educate their employees by reinforcing the need to be careful when using email, and to run a virus check on any attachments before opening. The following list provides some safety measures anyone can use to protect themselves:

Do not click OK on pop-up windows without first reading them thoroughlyNever open spam e-mailYou should pay for software instead of opting for the free, advertising supported version; never click on links in e-mail you receive from an unknown sourceType the URL into your Web browserDo not open e-mail attachments from an unknown sourceUse a firewall to help prevent any unauthorized computer activityRun a weekly, full system anti-virus computer scan

If you are not sure whether a key logger is installed on your machine, you can use the virtual keyboard that comes with the Windows system. A virtual keyboard is a program that shows a keyboard on the screen, and the keys can be pressed by using a mouse. This can help keep the keystrokes from being noticed by the software. It is not a guarantee, but can be helpful. Another method that can help secure your account would be to use a one-time password. Using a one-time password can help minimize losses if the password is intercepted because the password generated can be used only one time. The period of time a password can be used is limited, so even if a one-time password is intercepted, the thief will not be able to use it to gain access.

As explained earlier, keyloggers do have some good uses, I just focused on the negative. I would advise everyone to check their anti-virus program to see if it searches for keyloggers.

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How To Prevent And Detect Keyloggers

Wondering how to prevent and detect keyloggers, also known as keystroke loggers? Keyloggers are a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy; silently working in the background secretly recording every keystroke and sometimes even capturing screen shots. Keyloggers are often bundled with other malware, such as computer viruses, spyware, and trojan horses.

This malicious software can lead you to having your personal info stolen; added to the every growing list of victims of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.

Don't disconnect your Internet connection forever just yet. Fortunately, there are steps to take to prevent and detect keyloggers.

First of all, if you haven't already, install anti-virus software. This Internet security software helps prevent keyloggers and other malicious software. It is important to remember to keep it up-to-date; anti-virus software is only as good as the last update. It is good to know that there is reputable and free anti-virus software available for download online.

It is crucial that you have anti-spyware software installed on your computer. It detects most, but certainly not all keystroke loggers. There is free anti-spyware software available for download online. It is crucial to make sure that it is reputable anti-spyware software before you download it. There is so-called "free anti-spyware software" that in reality is not free and might even be bundled with malicious software, including a keylogger.

Probably the most important step is to have reputable anti-keylogger software installed. Anti-virus and anti-spyware software do not protect you from all keystroke loggers. Unlike other Internet security software anti-keylogger software does not rely on virus signatures and "full system scans". It actually detects and blocks keyloggers.

Ensure that you have a firewall installed. This Internet security software can block a hacker from remotely installing a keylogger on your computer. It can also stop a keylogger already installed on your computer to send personal information and other data remotely to a cyber criminal. There is reputable free personal firewalls available for download online. Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall. If you have not other firewall installed on your computer ensure that it is activated.

Last but not least, check your computer manually for hardware keyloggers. This is especially important when using a public computer, such as one in a public library. Specifically check the cable between your computer and your keyboard as well as your USB ports for a hardware keystroke logger.

By following these steps you'll greatly reduce the chances of having a keylogger as well as other malicious software installed on your computer. When it comes to keystroke loggers and other malware an ounce of prevention can indeed be worth a pound of cure.

Christopher Hecker is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise on Internet security and privacy. Please visit Internet security 101 for free Internet security software, advice and tips to protect your computer from malicious software, including keyloggers.

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