TOP 5 TOOLS TO PREVENT KEYBOARD TRACKER ATTACKS
Updated on October 21, 2022, by Xcitium
What Is a Keyboard Tracker?
A keyboard tracker, commonly known as a keylogger, is a type of software or hardware that records every keystroke entered on a device. Cybercriminals often use keyboard trackers to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, banking credentials, and confidential business data. Some keyboard tracking tools are used legitimately for monitoring and security purposes, while others are deployed maliciously as spyware.
A keyboard tracker commonly known as a keylogger is a program for stealing personal information. However, you don’t have to be terrified of keyloggers. By using the top five anti keylogger tools, you can prevent a keyboard tracker attack.
![]()
How Does a Keyboard Tracker Work?
A keyboard tracker operates by monitoring and recording user keystrokes as they are entered on a computer, smartphone, or other device.
The process typically includes:
- The tracker is installed on a device.
- Keystrokes are recorded in the background.
- Captured data is stored locally or transmitted remotely.
- Sensitive information such as passwords and account credentials is collected.
- Attackers use the stolen information for fraud, identity theft, or unauthorized access.
Because keyboard trackers often run silently, users may not realize they are being monitored.
ANTI MALWARE SOFTWARE
Anti malware software doesn’t just avoid a keyboard tracker, but too the other type of malware. Anti-malware software monitors your computer for invaders. Often, we are unconscious of the threats on websites we visit and software we download. It’s anti-malware software that detects and removes threats to prevent malware infections.
Manually scanning every app we download is time-consuming. With the help of anti malware software, it becomes easier and faster. So it is advisable to install an anti malware software on your device to prevent a keyboard tracker attack. Check out the best anti malware software here.
2. 2-Step Verification
Knowing what 2-Step Verification is and how it can prevent a keyboard tracker attack is important. 2-step verification is a security feature that requires you to enter the pin code sent to you via a text message. This allows you to confirm your identity as the real account holder. 2-Step verification prevents the hacker from gaining access to your personal account regardless if he has your username and password.
Big companies such as Facebook and Gmail use 2-Step verification. You might think it is a hassle. But it is, in fact, a useful feature that you should use.
But what if it happens that you’re phone’s battery is dead? That could be a downside of using 2-step verification. Nevertheless, it still is a great tool to protect your account from getting hacked.
3. Voice Recognition Software
Using voice recognition is a sure way to prevent a keyboard tracker from stealing your username and passwords. A keyboard tracker steals your personal information by recording every key you type on the physical keyboard. With speech recognition software, you no longer have to type your personal details. You can simply command the voice recognition software.
4. Key Encryption Software
Using key encryption software is another sure way to prevent a keyboard tracker attack. It conceals the keys you type with random characters. As you type, the keys you press travel through the path to reach their destination. A keyboard tracker positions itself on this path to monitor the keys. With key encryption software, a keyboard tracker can only record random characters.
5. Copying and Pasting
The last in our list is not a tool but rather a technique to prevent a keyboard attack. As mentioned, a keyboard tracker can only steal information when you type them on the keyboard. If you copy and paste your username and password, it prevents a keyboard tracker from recording them. Just find a good strategy to save the information on your computer, then you can simply pull it up if you want to log into your account.
Types of Keyboard Trackers
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Software Keylogger | Installed as malicious or monitoring software |
| Hardware Keylogger | Physical device connected to a keyboard or computer |
| Browser-Based Keylogger | Operates through compromised browser sessions |
| Mobile Keylogger | Tracks input on smartphones and tablets |
| Kernel-Level Keylogger | Operates at the operating system level |
| Wireless Keylogger | Intercepts wireless keyboard communications |
Understanding the different types of keyboard trackers helps organizations identify potential security risks.
What Information Can a Keyboard Tracker Capture?
Keyboard trackers can record:
- Usernames
- Passwords
- Banking credentials
- Credit card numbers
- Email communications
- Chat messages
- Corporate login credentials
- Sensitive business information
This information is often targeted by cybercriminals for financial gain and unauthorized access.
Keyboard Tracker vs Spyware
| Keyboard Tracker | Spyware |
|---|---|
| Records keystrokes | Collects broader user activity data |
| Focuses on keyboard input | Monitors browsing, applications, and system activity |
| Often used to steal credentials | Used to gather various forms of sensitive information |
| May operate as standalone malware | Can include keylogging functionality |
| Targets typed data specifically | Targets overall user behavior and information |
A keyboard tracker is often considered a specialized form of spyware designed specifically to capture keyboard input.
HOW TO PROTECT ENDPOINT DEVICES FROM A Keyboard Tracker
Endpoint devices can be any IoT devices such as laptops, smartphones, desktops, and tablets that are connected to a business network. Endpoint devices can fall victim to a keylogger if they are left vulnerable.
Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection is a trusted security solution that has been protecting more than 85 million endpoint devices worldwide. It is multi-layered with advanced security features to provide complete malware protection.
Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection consists of:
Default Deny Security Feature
This feature prevents any untrusted file from getting access to the file system. The suspicious file is contained when it enters the computer. Then it is monitored in a virtual container to verify if it is safe or malicious.
Inbound and Outbound Threat Protection
Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection protects your network and endpoint devices from inbound and outbound threats by monitoring network traffic. The data goes through a class packet filtering firewall to detect and prevents threats.
Computer Memory and Registry Protection
Fileless malware is proliferating today to conduct high-profile cyber attacks. Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection guarantees the protection of computer memory and registry against fileless malware. It has a Host Intrusion Prevention System that monitors computer and registry against malicious modifications.
For complete protection against a keylogger, install a trusted anti malware software. You can combine it with other anti keyboard tracker tools to render a keylogger useless.
Click here to download Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection. You can also contact us to get a live demo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keyboard Trackers
What is a keyboard tracker used for?
A keyboard tracker records keystrokes entered on a device. Legitimate uses include parental controls and employee monitoring, while malicious uses include credential theft and cyber espionage.
Is a keyboard tracker the same as a keylogger?
Yes. The terms keyboard tracker and keylogger are often used interchangeably to describe tools that record keyboard input.
Are keyboard trackers dangerous?
Malicious keyboard trackers can be extremely dangerous because they can capture passwords, banking information, and sensitive personal or business data without the user’s knowledge.
How can I tell if a keyboard tracker is installed?
Common signs include:
- Slow system performance
- Unusual background processes
- Unexpected network activity
- Security software warnings
- Unauthorized account access
Some advanced keyloggers may show no obvious symptoms.
Can antivirus software detect keyboard trackers?
Many modern endpoint protection and anti-malware solutions can detect and remove known keyboard trackers. Behavioral detection technologies can also identify previously unknown keyloggers.
How do keyboard trackers infect devices?
Common infection methods include:
- Phishing emails
- Malicious downloads
- Infected software installers
- Browser exploits
- Trojan malware
- Compromised websites
Xcitium Antivirus Resources
