Keylogger

A keylogger records keystrokes, and sometimes screenshots or clipboard content, without the user's knowledge. Software keyloggers run as programs or browser components; hardware keyloggers are small devices placed between a keyboard and a computer.

Why it matters

Typed input includes passwords, card numbers and private messages. A keylogger can capture them before encryption protects anything, because it observes the input on the device itself. Defenders care because stolen credentials are a leading way into accounts and networks.

Not every recorder is malicious: some employers and parental tools use monitoring software openly, and rules on that vary by country.

Example

A user installs a free utility from an untrusted site. It quietly logs everything typed in the browser and uploads it to a remote server. Because the account also uses a second factor such as a hardware key or app-based code, the stolen password alone is not enough to sign in.

Common mistakes

• Relying only on strong passwords, which do not help if they are captured as typed.
• Installing software from unofficial sources or ignoring unexpected permission prompts.
• Forgetting physical devices on shared or public computers.
• Skipping updates and endpoint protection.

Related

• Malware
• Two-factor authentication
• Password manager
• Trojan

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