HOW HACKERS STEAL PASSWORDS USING A KEYSTROKE RECORDER?
A keystroke recorder is an effective tool for stealing username and password. In this article we will discuss how hackers steal personal information using a keystroke recorder. We’ll also show you how you can protect yourself from a keystroke recorder attack.
Before hackers are able to steal personal information using a keystroke recorder, they have to install keyloggers on target computers. How do they do it?
HOW HACKERS INSTALL A KEYSTROKE RECORDER ON COMPUTERS?
Spear Phishing
Spear Phishing is a malicious email disguised as legitimate. It is the leading cause of malware infections. Spear phishing contains a malicious attachment that installs malware when the user opens it. The installation occurs in the background. So the user is unaware of it. What’s common in spear phishing is it encourages the user to act immediately. You’ll know it’s spear phishing if it creates a sense of urgency.
System Vulnerabilities
Hackers also install a keystroke recorder through system vulnerabilities. Hackers use exploit kits to scan devices and web browsers for vulnerabilities. When exploit kits discover a vulnerability, hackers inject a keystroke recorder on the device. Exploit kits often scan for outdated software and add-ons.
Trojan
Trojan is another tool that hackers use to install a keystroke recorder on computers. It pretends as a genuine application to enter a computer. Once installed, trojan activates a keystroke recorder embedded in it. A trojan serves as an entry point of other types of malware such as rootkit, spyware, and ransomware.
Phishing URLs
Phishing URLs redirect users to malicious websites that contain a keystroke recorder. These phishing URLs can be found on a video description, an article, or an app description. Hackers trick users into clicking on the link by promising a crack version of the software or game cheat.
Those are the common methods that hacker use to install a keystroke recorder on computers. So what’s next after a keystroke logger is installed successfully?
A keystroke recorder has the ability to record the exact keys you press on the keyboard. It logs every character. It can even capture screenshots and intercept the web page submission that contains your username and passwords. A keystroke recorder is connected to a remote server, where it transmits your personal information. The hacker just needs to download the information to obtain your username and passwords, then he could log into your account. The next things that could happen are unauthorized money withdrawals, unfamiliar charges, and identity theft. That is how a keystroke recorder becomes a serious threat.
The good thing is a keystroke recorder infection is preventable. So how can you protect yourself from a keystroke logging?
WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM A KEYSTROKE LOGGING
Use 2-Step verification
On the off chance that you need to anticipate programmers from hacking your account, utilize a 2-Step confirmation. It anticipates programmers from picking up get to to your account by requiring a stick code. So no one can get to your account unless he/she has the stick code, which is sent to your versatile number. A few individuals deny to utilize a 2-Step confirmation but it includes an additional layer of security against keystroke logging.
Install Key Encryption Software
Key encryption software also ensures your protection against keystroke logging. It prevents a keystroke recorder from capturing the exact characters by encrypting them. So a keystroke recorder can only log random characters generated by the key encryption software.
Install Anti Malware Software
If there’s an effective tool that can prevent a keystroke recorder infection, it’s the anti malware software. It is specifically designed to detect and block malware. It identifies a keystroke recorder using Signature-Based Detection and Behavioral Monitoring. So even an advanced keystroke recorder will be identified immediately.
If you are looking for an anti malware software for your personal computer, we recommend Xcitium Anti Malware. It is an effective and lightweight anti malware software that protects you against the latest threats. It uses static and dynamic analysis to detect malware in just 40 seconds. Download it now for free.
If you own a business network and want to protect your endpoint devices against keystroke logging, we recommended Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection.
REASONS TO DOWNLOAD XCITIUM ADVANCED ENDPOINT PROTECTION
Spear Phishing Protection
We have mentioned that spear phishing is the number cause of malware infections. Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection can detect spear phishing in no time. It monitors the data transmission on endpoint devices to prevent a spear phishing attack.
Patch Management
We have also mentioned that hackers commonly install a keystroke recorder through system vulnerabilities. Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection has patch management to install software updates on your computer. It notifies if an update for your operating system is already available online. So you never have to worry about running outdated software.
Default Deny Sandboxing Technology
A sandbox that contains suspicious applications within a protected space to prevent malware infections. However, traditional sandboxing technologies are built upon Default Allow. It leaves room for malware infections. So Xcitium developed a Default Deny security feature to prevent suspicious files from ever reaching the hard drive.
A keystroke recorder is a potent tool to steal your credentials and personal information. One sure way to prevent a keystroke recorder attack is to invest in a trusted anti malware software. For a business owner, download Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection today to protect your company data from a keystroke recorder. Click here to schedule a live demo.
Related Sources:
Endpoint Detection
Endpoint Detection and Response
Xcitium Antivirus Resources