Keylogger, a type of Spyware that threatens the security of your data

Just like other types of data breaching, data theft using a keylogger is an action that can threaten the security level of your data. Generally, this action is carried out by technology experts. This type of keylogger threat has harmed many companies and threatened ordinary users.

So, what is the true meaning of a keylogger? How do keylogger attacks work? How to prevent this dangerous attack?

Don't worry, because we will answer your questions in full through the article about keyloggers below.

What is a Keylogger

Reporting from the CS Online page, a keylogger is software created to monitor the victim's activities and give hackers access rights to the victim's personal data.

All typed credit card numbers and passwords, the websites visited by the victim, and various other things are recorded by the program based on keyboard typing.

This software is installed on a computer or laptop and can record everything the victim types. Then, the program will send the victim's various file data to a server, where criminals around the world will wait to use all the sensitive information.

Basically, a keylogger is a very dangerous type of spyware, in which the victim will be manipulated into inputting various sensitive data into their respective devices.

If the spyware manages to enter the victim's device, then all their activities will be observed by criminals. In fact, special software such as keyloggers are capable of documenting and recording all the activities that the victim carries out on their device.

If a keylogger looks like a fictional film, that's because this software has been featured in films before. Most of you must have watched the film “Mission Impossible” starring Tom Cruise and his popular hacker Rami Malek as Mr. Robot. These two characters often use keyloggers as tools to hack their target victims.

Functions of Keylogger

A keylogger is a type of software or hardware that records every keystroke a user makes on a keyboard. Keylogger main functions include:

1. Keyboard Activity Logging

Keyloggers record every keystroke a user makes on a keyboard, including text, numbers, and special characters.

2. Recording Passwords and Confidential Information

Keyloggers can record passwords, login information, and other confidential data that users enter into various applications and websites.

3. User Activity Monitoring

By logging every keystroke, a keylogger can provide information about user activity, including websites visited, messages sent, and files accessed.

4. Criminal Investigation

Keyloggers can be used by authorities or private investigators to investigate computer crimes, including identity theft, fraud, and other illegal activities.

5. Parental Control

Keyloggers can be used by parents to monitor their children's online activities and ensure that they are safe from online threats such as hacking, scams and scams.

6. Data Recovery

In some cases, keyloggers can be used to recover lost or deleted data by recording what the user previously typed.

7. Research and Analysis

Keyloggers are also used in research and analysis of user behavior, for both academic and commercial purposes.

Although keyloggers have some legitimate uses, unethical or illegal use of these devices can violate an individual's privacy and result in financial or reputational harm. Therefore, the use of keyloggers must always pay attention to applicable ethics and laws.

Types of Keyloggers

There are several types of Keyloggers, what are they? Here are several types of Keyloggers that you can find out below.

1. Keylogger Keyboard

This type will record all keyboard activity on the victim's computer. This type of spyware will not be detected by software and to be able to detect it, you have to check the hardware that is installed.

Usually, this is found in the USB slot of a computer or laptop, and this device is most often used for the keylogger hacking process.

2. Keylogger Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

This type of keylogger utilizes wireless technology to record keyboard activities. The type of keylogger device is very difficult to know because it will be integrated with the device that connects the keyboard to the computer in the USB slot.

To find out, you can scan the available wireless networks. If you don't turn on the wireless network but there is an incoming wireless network, then you should be suspicious of this type of spyware.

3. Keylogger Keyboard Overlay

This keylogger is keyboard hardware that is embedded in ATM machines. The goal is to record traces of users' pin numbers. If the pin number has been recorded, the criminals behind it will take advantage for themselves.

4. Accountistic Keylogger

This type of keylogger will use the sound produced when a key is pressed. Generally, each button will provide a different sound. By using this method, the spyware device will record the sound of the button and translate it into a readable sentence. Of course, the results of this translation will be very valuable information for criminals.

5. Electromagnetic Emissions

This keylogger is capable of capturing emissions from electromagnetic waves produced by a cable up to a distance of 20 meters.

In 2009, researchers from Switzerland conducted experiments on various laptop, USB and PS/2 keyboards. They discovered this security gap. The researchers used a predetermined wave band to capture emissions originating from electromagnetic waves produced by a keyboard.

6. Optical Devices

This type of keylogger is capable of capturing what the victim types via camera. This optical keylogger device can be placed anywhere, especially at ATM machines and other places where many people have to enter a PIN to withdraw money. For this reason, you are advised to always cover your keyboard when entering your ATM pin.

7. Keypad

A keypad keylogger is a keypad device that can be used to enter pin numbers. Where generally the keypad buttons still have fingerprint residue that can be stored or retrieved.

If there are nine buttons and only 4 pin numbers need to be entered, this will minimize pin hacking attempts.

8. Body Keylogger

In this case, the hackers will know the target's pin or password by imitating the victim's movements when entering the password or pin. So, attempts to guess passwords or pins can be suppressed because they already know the victim's body pattern.

9. Accelerometer

Keylogger Accelerometer is a device that is able to measure movement using a special device. This device will be used to record the victim's movements. The way it works is by capturing the victim's movements and then making a written report.

How to Prevent Keylogger Attacks

You need to know that a keylogger attack is a way of stealing data that is very difficult for the security system on the device to detect. For this reason, you need another alternative that can protect your device from this software.

Reporting from the Securelist page, the way to guard against data attacks originating from keyloggers is as follows:

• Use two factor authentication or one time password.
• Install systems with proactive protection designed to detect software
• Use a keyboard
• Avoid clicking on links and also visiting sites that look suspicious.
• Avoid conversations with strangers, whether in person or online.

Closing

That's our complete explanation about keyloggers. So, a keylogger is software designed to monitor the victim's activities and give criminals access to the victim's personal data.

For this reason, you must remain alert to the software you install and avoid clicking on suspicious links or websites if you want to keep your company's important data safe.

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