Computer Keylogger Software

Introduction

Computer keylogger software is as the name implies software that records or "logs" your keystrokes. Keyloggers fall under the software category of Trojan or Spyware. Keylogging software is also available as commercial software for those who need to monitor their workers or children. Keyloggers are able to monitor which keystrokes are entered into which Windows program so the person monitoring you knows what you are doing with your keyboard.

Technical Information

All unauthorized keyloggers attempt to steal information from you. They infect your system in the same manner a Trojan would. Some keyloggers are sent via email attachments with subject lines such as "I still love you". Keylogger.Stawin does this and once installed tries to steal your banking information. This keylogger is small and requires only 4KB of disk space and infects everything from Windows 95 to Windows Vista.

Typical keyloggers tend to do the following:

• Steal your usernames/passwords.
• Steal your credit card or banking information.
• Steal personal information.
• Spy on Workers or Children.
• Transmit stolen information via email, ftp or tcp/ip to the attacker.

Method of Infection

Infection sometimes occurs with the consent of the victim when visiting a website and giving permission to download and open spyware bundled with keylogger Trojans, but typically you get trojan keyloggers from friends over messenger chats or in email attachments.

Detection

Most anti-virus programs and anti-spyware programs will detect most known keyloggers. If you believe you have a keylogger that is not being detected or removed, you can have a technician verify and remove it from your system.

Summary

A keylogger is a form of trojan and/or spyware and is used to record your keystrokes. This malicious act is intended to steal your personal information including credit card numbers, banking information, passwords or other security information and personal or family information. Some keyloggers are commercial products though and not intended to harm but to monitor.

If you're having problems with a keylogger, an expert at support.com can clean your system.