WHAT IS COMPUTER KEYLOGGER SOFTWARE?
Updated on October 21, 2022, by Xcitium
What Is Computer Keylogger Software?
Computer keylogger software is a type of monitoring program that records every keystroke typed on a computer or mobile device. Keyloggers are commonly used to track user activity, capture passwords, monitor employee behavior, or steal sensitive information such as banking credentials and login data. Some keyloggers operate as legitimate monitoring tools, while others are used maliciously as spyware or Trojan malware.
In 1970, keyloggers were invented to record the printhead movements of Selectric typewriters. Nowadays, computer keystroke software is an application designed to record keystrokes on PC. Basically, it can expose sensitive information to whoever deploys computer keylogger software.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF COMPUTER KEYLOGGER SOFTWARE?
Kernel-based
Kernel-based computer keylogger software has a rootkit functionality, enabling it to reside in the kernel of the operating system, which is why it is dangerous. Having a rootkit functionality, kernel-based computer keylogger software gains administrative privileges, which means that it can evade the detection of any anti malware software or antivirus.
Kernel-based computer keylogger software is invisible in Task Manager, leaving no trace of its malicious activities. Basically, there’s usually no warning sign of kernel-based computer keylogger software. The chances of getting personal information stolen are extremely high.
Form grabbing-based
Form grabbing-based computer keylogger software is designed for intercepting web page submissions that contain your usernames, passwords, and bank account information. It monitors browsing activities, so just before the information is submitted to the website when you fill out the information, the form grabbing-based computer keylogger intercepts the action to steal your personal details.
API-based
API-based computer keylogger software attaches the keyboard API to itself, enabling it to capture every keystroke as it is pressed on the keyboard. It’s simply become part of the application that can record keyboard activities.
Memory-based
Memory-based computer keylogger software is similar to the kernel-based keylogging software. The only difference is that memory-based computer keylogger software modifies sets of codes to bypass normal authentication, while a kernel-based keylogger automatically gains administrative privileges by loading directly in the lowest level of the operating system.
A memory-based keylogger is also difficult to detect, as it operates directly from computer memory. It records keys as they pass through the path of the operating system to reach their destination.
A computer keylogger software infection will eventually result in data breaches. With your personal information in the wrong hands, unauthorized transactions follow. Undoubtedly, you have to protect your computer from keylogging software.
Computer Keylogger Software Quick Facts
| Feature | Keylogger Software |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Record keyboard activity |
| Type | Monitoring software or spyware |
| Can Capture | Passwords, chats, emails, financial data |
| Delivery Methods | Phishing emails, malware, downloads |
| Detection Difficulty | Moderate to high |
| Used For | Monitoring, surveillance, cybercrime |
| Risk Level | High if malicious |
How Does Computer Keylogger Software Work?
- The keylogger installs on a device through software, malware, or physical hardware.
- The software silently records every keystroke typed by the user.
- Captured information is stored locally or transmitted to attackers.
- Cybercriminals use the stolen data to access accounts or steal sensitive information.
- Advanced keyloggers may also capture screenshots, clipboard data, and browser activity.
Types of Computer Keylogger Software
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Software Keylogger | Installed malware that records keystrokes |
| Hardware Keylogger | Physical device connected to a keyboard |
| Browser-Based Keylogger | Malicious scripts that capture form entries |
| Kernel-Level Keylogger | Operates deep within the operating system |
| Form Grabber | Captures web form data before encryption |
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM Computer Keylogger Software
#1. Use a Password Manager
A password manager is secure storage that allows you to manage your passwords in one application. One of its benefits is generating strong passwords that prevent brute force attacks. Most importantly, automatically filling out the password section when you log into your account prevents computer keylogger software from recording it.
#2. Use Key Encryption Software
Key encryption software conceals the keystrokes behind random characters, which prevents computer keylogger software from intercepting the exact keys. Therefore, it keeps your personal information safe from getting stolen.
#3. Install Computer Updates
System vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers to insert computer keylogger software. But software updates patch system vulnerabilities, preventing a keylogger from getting onto your devices. It is advisable to install software updates when they become available.
#4. Anti Malware Software
Anti malware software prevents varieties of threats, including computer keylogger software. By constantly monitoring your computer, it detects and blocks a keylogger. Installing anti malware software is essential, as cyber attacks are rampant.
When you go online, you may accidentally install malware on your computer by opening emails disguised as legitimate. But with anti malware software, you can prevent falling victim to such malware attacks.
What Information Can Keylogger Software Steal?
Computer keylogger software can capture:
- usernames and passwords
- banking credentials
- credit card numbers
- email conversations
- chat messages
- confidential business documents
- cryptocurrency wallet information
Because keyloggers record information before encryption occurs, even secure websites may not protect against keylogging attacks.
Signs Your Computer May Have Keylogger Software
- Slow system performance
- Unusual keyboard lag
- Unknown background applications
- Frequent crashes or freezing
- Suspicious network activity
- Disabled antivirus protection
- Browser redirects or unusual pop-ups
Some advanced keyloggers operate silently and may not show obvious symptoms.
How to Detect and Remove Keylogger Software
- Run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan
- Monitor suspicious startup programs
- Check installed browser extensions
- Remove unknown applications
- Update the operating system and security software
- Reset passwords after cleanup
- Use advanced endpoint protection solutions
Organizations should also monitor endpoints for unauthorized activity and suspicious data transmission.
How to Prevent Computer Keylogger Software Attacks
- Avoid suspicious downloads and attachments
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Install advanced endpoint security software
- Keep software and operating systems updated
- Train employees to recognize phishing attacks
- Avoid using public or untrusted devices
- Regularly scan systems for malware
Zero trust security and behavioral threat detection help organizations detect advanced keylogging activity early.
Keylogger Software vs Spyware
| Feature | Keylogger Software | Spyware |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Record keystrokes | Monitor user activity |
| Captures Passwords | Yes | Sometimes |
| Tracks Browsing Activity | Sometimes | Yes |
| Used in Cybercrime | Frequently | Frequently |
| Can Be Legitimate | Yes | Rarely |
Computer Keylogger Software: WHAT DOES XCITIUM ADVANCED ENDPOINT PROTECTION OFFER?
Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection is endpoint security software that prevents cyber attacks on business networks and endpoint devices. It is equipped with a Host Intrusion Prevention System, a feature specifically designed to prevent computer keylogger software.
With Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection, your keyboard receives complete protection against computer keylogger software, as it constantly monitors every application that attempts to access the keyboard. The end user also receives a notification to confirm the application.
Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection deals effectively with different types of keyloggers. It ensures that the registry, computer memory, and kernel of the operating system are safe from unauthorized modifications.
Conclusion Computer Keylogger Software
Computer keylogger software exposes your personal information to the hacker. But with the help of anti-keylogging tools, you can prevent it from ever reaching your computer.
Download Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection today. Or contact us to get a live demo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is computer keylogger software?
Computer keylogger software is a monitoring program that records keyboard activity on a device to capture typed information such as passwords and messages.
Is keylogger software illegal?
Legality depends on usage and local laws. Unauthorized installation of keyloggers for spying or data theft is illegal in many countries.
Can antivirus software detect keyloggers?
Modern antivirus and endpoint protection tools can detect many keyloggers, especially known malware variants.
Can keyloggers steal passwords?
Yes. Keyloggers commonly capture passwords, financial information, and login credentials.
What is the difference between a hardware and software keylogger?
A hardware keylogger is a physical device attached to a computer, while a software keylogger operates as a program inside the operating system.
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