What is a Keylogger? Why is it the most dangerous Spyware in 2022?

Last Updated on May 24, 2022 by Tech Queries Team

Keyloggers come under the Spyware category, which is one type of Malware. But, there are also several benefits of using a Keylogger. So, let’s understand What is a Keylogger, and Why it is the most dangerous Spyware in 2022. 

Do you know there is a software called Keylogger, which can capture your activities and record whatever you type on your keyboard? Moreover, most users aren’t even aware of the Keylogger installed on their computer. Keep reading as we discuss in detail What is a Keylogger, How Keyloggers Work, What are the Benefits of using a Keylogger, Is Keylogger Illegal, How many Types of Keyloggers are there, How to Prevent Keyloggers, and more.

You can jump to any section of the article by using the Table of Content below.

What is a Keylogger? Definition:

The name Keylogger itself indicates the meaning. The Keylogger is basically an application/software that logs (or records or monitors) your keystrokes when you type anything. Keyloggers can be installed on PCs (Windows and Mac), and Mobile Devices (Android and iOS) as well.

How Keyloggers work?

Now that you know What is a Keylogger, let’s understand how Keyloggers work. A Keylogger is first installed into a computer or any device. When the user starts operating the PC, the Keylogger monitors all the activities and notes down the Keystrokes. It then sends all the logs to the host.

Example of How Keylogger Work:

Suppose a Keylogger is installed on your computer. When you open the Gmail account, you need to enter the email Id and password. For security reasons, Google does not show the characters in the password. Instead, it shows the password as *********. However, the Keylogger not only captures the screen but also notes down the letters you type on the keyboard. Therefore, it knows which website you have accessed and what password you have typed. 

Keyloggers can be operating inside a script on a webpage, or inject themselves into the RAM Memory, or even get into the code of the Operating System.

Therefore, some Internet Banking websites let you enter the password by using the virtual keyboard. There you don’t have to type letters on the keyboard. You can enter the password by using the mouse. Also, the characters are jumbled every time, to make it even more difficult for Keyloggers to steal the data. Moreover, you can use the built-in on-screen keyboard by Microsoft while entering the passwords on websites that do not offer a virtual keyboard.

It is a helpful and much better option as most Keyloggers don’t record the screen. They just take screenshots every few seconds. You can take advantage of this drawback to protect your privacy.

Why is Keylogger the most dangerous Spyware?

Do you know why we consider Keylogger as the most dangerous type of Spyware? Because it is hard to detect. In 2020 and 2021, internet users have increased in a huge number, and most of them are new to the Internet. Therefore, Cybercriminals are trying to target these audiences as they may not have much knowledge about the internet and cybercrimes.

If you find a Virus on your PC, you can remove it using Anti-Virus Software. But, what can you do if you are not even aware of the Keylogger? Even if you know What is a Keylogger, it is still difficult for you to find whether a Keylogger is running on your PC or not.

Here are some of the things that make Keylogger the most dangerous Spyware.

• It is hidden after installation.
• There is no shortcut icon on the Desktop or in the Start Menu.
• You won’t find its installation directory easily.
• Some Keyloggers are even disguised as other applications.
• Keyloggers capture sensitive details.
• You can access it only by using the assigned hotkey.
• Furthermore, only the person with the password can uninstall it. Others won’t even find it in the Installed Programs List.
• Keyloggers work in the background, but the activity is not shown in Windows Task Manager.
• It automatically starts after every system reboot.

Hackers trick you into installing other software and they remotely install the Keylogger. Not only that, even your friend, colleague, or anyone who has access to your PC can install it in 5-10 mins. The Keylogger saves all the activities and even sends frequent emails to the installer. 

Benefits of Keylogger?

So far, we have learned that a Keylogger is a harmful software. However, some people may find it very beneficial. Parents can install Keylogger on their children’s devices to see if their kids are involved in any illegal activities. An Owner of a company can install Keyloggers in all the office computers to see if the workers are doing the work honestly or if they are indulged in other activities during working hours. Even you can install Keylogger on your PC to track your daily activities.

Is Keylogger Illegal?

I will explain this in simple words. Installing Keylogger on a PC you own is not illegal. You have the right to install any software on the PC you bought. However, installing Keyloggers on other’s computers without their permission is considered illegal. Spying on others is also Illegal. So, if you install Keyloggers on other devices (and got caught), you will be charged with multiple crimes.

Types of Keyloggers?

Technically, there are two types of Keyloggers.

Software Keyloggers:

Software Keyloggers is a program installed on your computer. It is hard to detect, as we have mentioned before. However, there are a few methods by which there is a chance of detecting it, which we are going to discuss in the latter part of this article. 

Hardware Keyloggers:

Hardware Keyloggers are in the form of a device connected to any of the input ports of your computer. It can be a connector between the Keyboard wire and CPU ports. Keyloggers are also found in the form of dongles, which are connected to the USB port and transfer the data wirelessly to the hackers. There is also another kind of Keylogger (called KeyGrabber Module), which is integrated inside the keyboard itself.

How to Detect Keylogger in your Computer?

• Installing a Premium Antivirus Software can detect unusual activities caused by Keyloggers.
• You can check Task Manager for processes running in the background. If you find any unusual activities, end the process. (Note: Closing essential processes can cause errors in Windows Operating System)
• There is another technical method, which you can learn by watching this video.

• It is a little bit easy to spot Hardware Keyloggers. If you see any unknown device connected to your PC, remove it. Unless the Keylogger is KeyGrabber Module, you can easily find it.
• Moreover, if a Software or Hardware Keylogger is installed on your PC, you might experience a little delay in the keystrokes.

How to Prevent Keyloggers?

Here are some of the tips you can follow to Prevent Keylogger.

• Install a premium Antivirus Software. Some Antivirus Softwares may fail to detect the installed Keylogger. But, they will definitely stop someone from installing the Keylogger.
• When using your PC in public places or through public WiFi, make sure you use a VPN Service and Anti-Virus software for security. Also, when you are using a wireless keyboard, others can intercept the frequency and steal keystrokes.
• Use a Password Manager that automatically fills your passwords, so that you don’t have to type anything on the keyboard. Note: You may have to enter the Master Password to access the Password Manager. The next tip will be useful for you in such cases.
• Use the on-screen keyboard so that you can enter the passwords using your mouse.
• Don’t install pirated software and apps downloaded from unknown websites.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion on What is a Keylogger:

A Keylogger can be used as a monitor tool by parents or in offices. But, it can also be used for wrong intentions by cybercriminals to steal confidential data. It is also very difficult for a normal user to identify whether a Keylogger is installed on their computer or not. Therefore, it is better to follow the precautions. Now that you know What is Keylogger and How to Detect it, I hope you will take the prevention methods to keep the data safe.