Threats » Keylogger

What is Keylogging?

Keylogging or keystroke logging is the practice of monitoring and recording the use of a keyboard to obtain information a user has been typing (known as key stroking). As a user type’s information keyloggers can steal it covertly for use at a later time. Keyloggers can come in many different forms and are usually distributed through malware including spyware. Keyloggers are most commonly created as a software application however they can also enter a system via hardware installation. While keyloggers do not affect system functionality like viruses and spyware they represent a significant level of threat against the security of any system.

Which ZoneAlarm Product is best to combat Keylogging?

The best way to protect your computer against keyloggers is with the ZoneAlarm ForceField software. ZoneAlarm ForceField provides protection against harmful spyware entering your system while browsing online. It offers superior protection from keyloggers through spyware identification and prevention. ForceField keeps your keystrokes private and blocks silent spyware, allowing you to work in total safety.

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite also offers protection against keyloggers through its anti-spyware application. It offers superior protection from keyloggers through spyware identification and prevention. Internet Security Suite can also remove existing spyware and keyloggers which may be present on your system. This gives you the ultimate level of security and peace of mind.

What is the purpose of Keylogging?

The purpose of keylogging is to obtain information from a user without their knowledge. This information is most commonly used for identity theft and fraud. The information obtained through keylogging can be used to access email, bank accounts and personal documents. There have been many cases where keylogging has been used to access bank accounts and emails to steal money and sensitive personal or company details. Many keyloggers monitor activity on an entire system and all system data such as web browsing activity and offline word processing can be easily obtained. Most cyber-crime uses keyloggers in some form to access data.

A short history of Keylogging

It is unclear when the practice of keylogging was first conducted. Many large legal cases have been brought against keyloggers since the early 2000s. Most of these cases were crimes involving bank fraud. While authorities heavily police keylogging and associated cyber–fraud it remains a threat to all internet users and the practice continues to grow.

Characteristics of Keylogging

Keyloggers can be software based or hardware based. These have different access methods but work to the same ends; monitoring the users typing activity. Most keyloggers will install without the users knowledge stealing information as they work. Software based keyloggers are the most commonly encountered by users. This style of keylogger will install software onto a system to monitor activities and will distribute the information back to the observer in real-time. This kind of keylogger is easily installed on a users system through spyware or malware received in spam. Other forms of keylogging are not as common but equally dangerous.

Eliminating/Controlling Keylogging

The threat of keylogging is so significant that a number of mechanisms exist to limit it. Different methods of prevention are targeted at different types of keylogging. Many companies such as banks will offer protection for their customers with on-screen keyboards which limit the ability of keyloggers to access passwords and other details. These companies sometimes offer single use passwords which are randomly generated and invalidated after their use.

Other ways to prevent keylogging include automatic form completion programs which allow users to complete forms without typing personal information. While these methods are useful they are not completely effective in preventing keylogging.

The most effective way to ensure your safety is to use software which prevents keylogging from being performed on your system. Anti-spyware programs protect users from spyware applications which the keyloggers use to install on a system. These programs can also remove the spyware and keyloggers that exist on a system prior to installation. Other programs provide protection against keyloggers while online. To ensure your ongoing safety these programs continually update and track keylogging trends and work to control them.