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What is Keylogger?
If you suspect everything you type from your keyboard is getting recorded and logged, then there might be a Keylogger present on your device. In this post, we would discuss what Keylogger is and how to prevent it from entering your system.
What is Keylogger?
Keylogger is a malicious program that is specifically designed to monitor and log the keystrokes made by the user on their keyboards. It is a form of spyware program used by cybercriminals to fetch sensitive information like banking details, login credentials of social media accounts, credit card number, etc. A keylogger can monitor and log such information and send those to the cybercriminal behind it. A keylogger can not only monitor the keystrokes, but it can also take note of every click and touch on your system.
Keyloggers are used for legitimate purposes also; for example, many organizations use them for monitoring their employees' activities.
What are the indications of Keylogger Infection?
Since Keylogger is a monitoring program, it works stealthily in the system background. Therefore it becomes difficult to detect it. However, your system will display some unusual behaviors that might indicate the presence of a Keyloggers. Here are those signs:
The system becomes sluggish and hangs frequently. It may be because Keylogger is using the system resources in the background.
Internet usage surges suspiciously. Keylogger might be using the internet data for exchanging the collected data with its creator.
If your mouse pointer or keystrokes are frequently pausing and responding slow, it might be because Keystroke is monitoring them.
How Keyloggers infect devices?
Like any other malware program, Keylogger can infiltrate your device through various means. Here are some frequent ways:
Visting and downloading software from untrustworthy, suspicious sites would create a doorway for malicious programs like Keyloggers.
Clicking on malicious links of text messages or unknown emails can trigger the download of Keylogger in the background.
Cybercriminals use social engineering tricks to force users to install the Keylogger into their devices. They would attract the users by offering too good to be true proposals like getting a paid software for free by clicking a particular link or pop-up.
Downloading the applications, movies, music, etc., from torrent sites might initiate the Keylogger installation. Torrents are one of the most common sources of malware infections.
How to get rid of Keyloggers?
Since Keyloggers are quite tricky to detect, it is challenging to remove them from the system. The following steps would help you in eliminating the Keyloggers permanently from the system.
Open the Windows Task Manager and go through the running processes and apps. Look for the suspicious ones that are unnecessarily easting up system resources.
Right-click on the suspicious processes and navigate to their location.
Delete all its files or uninstall them from the Control Panel.
If you find these steps tedious and want to remove the Keyloggers permanently from the device, it is suggested to get an all-rounder antimalware program. Since antimalware programs are specifically designed to detect and remove dangerous malware like Keyloggers, you won't have to do much.
How to prevent Keyloggers?
Keyloggers can be very dangerous if they somehow infiltrate the system. Since they perform their action silently, the users might not even be aware that their privacy is being ruined. It is essential to keep Keyloggers away from the system. Here are some protective measures you can take,
Keep installed a robust security solution on your system. The security solutions are designed to safeguard your system from malicious programs. If a Keylogger attempted to enter your system, it would be blocked and removed by the antimalware program.
Cybercriminals always look for vulnerabilities to release malware like Keyloggers. It is always advised to keep your Operating System, Applications, and Security Program updated so that if there is any loophole, it is fixed through the update.
Use a virtual on-screen keyboard for typing your most confidential information. Keyloggers only work on physical keyboards.
Remember to carefully monitor your software installation process. While installing any application, ensure that no other unwanted app is getting installed along with the primary one.
Follow the healthy browsing practices. Never go behind the intriguing pop-ups and banner ads. Clicking on them can trigger the download of malicious codes or applications.
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