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Spyware
Information
Keyloggers Threat How can spy software be dangerous
A keylogger can be a highly effective security application,
however it can also be a used as a serious infringement on
privacy. Read more on how much of a threat a keylogger can be.
Keylogging Programs (keyloggers, key loggers, keystroke loggers,
key recorders, key trappers, key capture programs, etc.) also
belong to the same group of tools that monitor user activity on
the machine level. It records such information as every keystroke,
including the system keys. Installing a keylogger onto a PC is a
relatively simple procedure; it may be installed like any other
software, or it may be installed as a Trojan or Virus.
Keylogging Hardware Device (keystroke recording device, hardware
keylogger, etc.) is a tiny hardware device that can be attached in
between a keyboard and a computer or built into the keyboard case.
It keeps a record of all keystrokes typed on the keyboard. The
recording process is totally transparent to the end user.
Keylogging Hardware Devices do not require any software on the
victim's PC to be able to log all keystrokes (inc. passwords,
etc). They may be covertly attached to the victim's PC by a
colleague, cleaner, visitor, etc - the PC does not even need to be
switched on when the keylogger is plugged in! The keylogger may
then be removed at a later time and its contents (recorded
keystrokes / passwords, etc) downloaded at the assailant's
convenience. The photograph to the right illustrates the
simplicity of attaching a keylogger to the victims PC. This is
just one make and model, other keyloggers do exist that are even
more covert than this example!
Keylogging programs and devices present a serious threat to the
security of individual and networked computing systems.
One particularly scary and dangerous feature of all keylogging
programs and keylogging hardware devices is recording of computer
user's keystrokes for the purpose of monitoring computer activity.
While you are typing out your password and credit card details
online it is possible a hacker can be recording your every
keystroke. So keystroke monitoring feature is main core of any spy
software. Without such core feature any spy software is absolutely
ineffective and unavailing.
Keylogging Programs and Hardware Devices also walk the fine line
between security administration and security breach. As with
scanners and sniffers, the question comes down to intent. Some
companies use commercial loggers to monitor employees suspected of
resource misuse. While most employees might feel this invades
their privacy, such monitoring can be useful for capturing of
corporate spies. Law enforcement agencies may also use keystroke
loggers to gather evidence on suspected criminals. On the other
hand, staffers may download freeware keystroke loggers from hacker
warez sites to turn the tables and illicitly spy on their boss or
coworkers.
Article from PrivacyKeyboard.com
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