Think your computer might be infected with a keylogger, also known as a keystroke logge?. Wondering how to detect a keylogger? Keystroke loggers are actually fairly difficult to detect without proper Internet security software. This is because they are designed to silently record your keystrokes; not slow down your computer and cause other problems like other malicious software. Keyloggers work silently in the background, like a spy, secretly recording every keystroke you type and sometimes even screen shots; passwords, email, banking info, credit card numbers, and other personal information.
This malicious software is a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy. Keyloggers can actually lead you to becoming a victim of identity theft, which happens to be one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.
It is good to know that there are some steps that you can take to detect keyloggers. At the same time following these steps will help prevent having your computer becoming infected with this malicious software. When it comes to keyloggers, and other Internet security and privacy threats, prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure.
- Anti-keylogger software will detect and block keyloggers: Anti-virus software only detects a small percentage of keystroke loggers. Anti-spyware software fares better, detecting most, but certainly not all of this malware. That is why it is essential, for your Internet security and privacy, to have anti-keylogger software installed.
- Install anti-virus software: Even though anti-virus software only detects some keyloggers, it is still important to have it installed. It is good to know that there is free anti-virus software available for download on the Internet, such as AVG Anti-Virus. It is crucial for your Internet security and privacy to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Remember that anti-virus software is only as good as the last update. It is also important get into the habit of doing a ”full system scan” on a regular basis.
- Install anti-spyware software: Anti-spyware software will detect most, but not all keystroke loggers. There is reputable, free anti-spyware software available for download on the Internet, such as SpyBot Search & Destroy. All they ask is for a donation, which is strictly voluntary.
- Try to avoid opening email attachments from senders that you don’t know: In fact, be extra cautious of opening an email attachment, even if you know the sender; especially if you are not expecting the attachment. This is because a cyber criminal could have hacked into their email account or spoofed their email address.
- Check your USB ports for hardware keyloggers, disguised as USB flash drives. Be sure to also check the keyboard cable where it connects to your PC, to see if there is a small cylinder between the end of the cable and the computer. If there is, turn off your PC, remove the cylinder, and reconnect the keyboard cable. It is an especially good to get into this habit when using a public computer, such as in the library.
Following these steps will go a long way in helping you to detect keyloggers, at the same time preventing this malicious software. Keystroke loggers are a very real theat to your Internet security and privacy. This spyware could even lead you to becoming the next victim of identity theft.
