What are Keyloggers- Why
they are a threat??
Keylogging Programs (keyloggers, key loggers, keystroke loggers, key
recorders, key trappers, key capture programs, etc.) also belong to the
same group of tools that monitor user activity on the machine level. It
records such information as every keystroke, including the system keys.
Installing a keylogger onto a PC is a relatively simple procedure; it may
be installed like any other software, or it may be installed as a Trojan
or Virus.
Keylogging Hardware Device (keystroke
recording device, hardware keylogger, etc.) is a tiny hardware device that
can be attached in between a keyboard and a computer or built into the
keyboard case. It keeps a record of all keystrokes typed on the keyboard.
The recording process is totally transparent to the end user. Keylogging
Hardware Devices do not require any software on the victim's PC to be able
to log all keystrokes (inc. passwords, etc). They may be covertly attached
to the victim's PC by a colleague, cleaner, visitor, etc - the PC does not
even need to be switched on when the keylogger is plugged in! The
keylogger may then be removed at a later time and its contents (recorded
keystrokes / passwords, etc) downloaded at the assailant's convenience.
The photograph to the right illustrates the simplicity of attaching a
keylogger to the victims PC. This is just one make and model, other
keyloggers do exist that are even more covert than this example!
Keylogging programs and devices present a
serious threat to the security of individual and networked computing
systems.
One particularly scary and dangerous
feature of all keylogging programs and keylogging hardware devices is
recording of computer user's keystrokes for the purpose of monitoring
computer activity. While you are typing out your password and credit card
details online it is possible a hacker can be recording your every
keystroke. So keystroke monitoring feature is main core of any spy
software. Without such core feature any spy software is absolutely
ineffective and unavailing.
Keylogging Programs and Hardware Devices
also walk the fine line between security administration and security
breach. As with scanners and sniffers, the question comes down to intent.
Some companies use commercial loggers to monitor employees suspected of
resource misuse. While most employees might feel this invades their
privacy, such monitoring can be useful for capturing of corporate spies.
Law enforcement agencies may also use keystroke loggers to gather evidence
on suspected criminals. On the other hand, staffers may download freeware
keystroke loggers from hacker warez sites to turn the tables and illicitly
spy on their boss or coworkers.
Article from PrivacyKeyboard.com |
