Keyloggers

In this article we will look at what are keyloggers and then learn about types of keyloggers namely software keyloggers and hardware keyloggers.

What is a Keylogger?

A keylogger is a software or a program to capture keystrokes and other information on the victim machine while the user is typing on the machine. The information is captured in a covert manner and is sent to the hacker who might be at a remote location. Keyloggers can be classified into two types:

Software keyloggers

Software keylogger is a program installed on the victim machine for keylogging. The keylogger can be installed without the knowledge of the target user by sending is as an attachment to an email or through other means like virus, worm, or a trojan. Software keyloggers are generally spread as trojans and viruses. A keylogger generally contains a DLL files and an EXE file.

Hardware keyloggers

Hardware keyloggers are small physical devices which can be inserted or attached to target computer systems or other electronic machines to capture the keystrokes. To install these keyloggers, attackers need physical access to the target machines. The devices are so small that people might overlook or detect their presence. These hardware keyloggers are generally installed on ATM machines to capture the victim’s PIN numbers.

Anti-keylogger is a tool for detecting and removing detected keyloggers. Advantages of using a anti-keylogger are as follows:

• Firewalls cannot detect keyloggers. So we can use an anti-keylogger for detecting and removing any keyloggers.
• Anti-keylogger does not require frequent updates like an anti-virus software.
• Prevents Internet banking frauds.
• Prevents ID theft.
• Secure email and instant messaging / chatting.

Suryateja Pericherla

Suryateja Pericherla, at present is a Research Scholar (full-time Ph.D.) in the Dept. of Computer Science & Systems Engineering at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. Previously worked as an Associate Professor in the Dept. of CSE at Vishnu Institute of Technology, India.

He has 11+ years of teaching experience and is an individual researcher whose research interests are Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, Computer Security, Network Security and Blockchain.

He is a member of professional societies like IEEE, ACM, CSI and ISCA. He published several research papers which are indexed by SCIE, WoS, Scopus, Springer and others.