A keylogger—short for keystroke logger—is a type of spyware that secretly records everything you type on your keyboard. It’s often used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal messages.

🧠 What Does a Keylogger Do?

• Records every keystroke you make.
• Can capture login credentials, emails, chats, and search queries.
• Some advanced keyloggers also:
  • 📸 Take screenshots
  • 🎥 Record webcam or microphone input
  • 🌐 Track websites visited

🧬 Types of Keyloggers

Software keyloggers are far more common and easier to deploy remotely.

⚠️ How Keyloggers Get Installed

• Clicking on malicious email attachments or links
• Downloading fake software or browser extensions
• Visiting compromised websites
• Plugging in infected USB drives

🛡️ How to Detect and Remove Keyloggers

• 🔍 Use Task Manager to check for suspicious processes
• 🧼 Run a rootkit detector or offline antivirus scan
• 🔥 Use a firewall to monitor outgoing data
• 🛡️ Install reputable anti-malware software like Malwarebytes or Avast

Keyloggers aren’t always illegal—some companies use them to monitor employee activity, and some parents use them to supervise children. But when used without consent, they’re a serious privacy threat.

To secure your device against keyloggers, you’ll want to combine smart habits with strong technical defenses. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

🛡️ 1. Use Trusted Security Software

• Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware tools like Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes, or Bitdefender.
• Enable real-time protection and schedule regular scans.
• Consider tools with keylogger-specific detection, such as Citrix Secure Private Access, which scrambles keystrokes to confuse keyloggers.

🔍 2. Detect Suspicious Activity

• Check Task Manager for unknown or suspicious processes.
• Monitor network traffic for unusual outbound connections.
• Use specialized tools like SpyShelter or Zemana AntiLogger to detect hidden keyloggers.

🔒 3. Practice Safe Computing

• Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
• Avoid installing software from unofficial websites or app stores.
• Keep your operating system and apps updated to patch vulnerabilities.

🧼 4. Clean and Audit Your System

• Boot into Safe Mode to isolate and remove malware.
• Clear temporary files and browser caches regularly.
• Review installed programs in Control Panel or Settings and uninstall anything suspicious.

🧠 5. Physical Security Matters

• Never leave your device unattended in public places.
• Inspect USB ports and keyboard connections for hardware keyloggers.