What Is a Keylogger Program?

A keylogger program is a software-based application that is designed to record all the keystrokes a user makes on a computer keyboard. This is done in a covert fashion, without the user's knowledge. The data is then available at a remote location, which allows access to the user's computer.

Accessing the Data

Once a keylogger program has accessed the user's data, it is then retrieved by several methods: uploaded via an FTP site, sent to an email address or sent wirelessly to another location.

Overlays

A keylogger overlay is fitted to look like a standard part of a hardware system. These overlays are often used at ATM terminals where the customer's PIN is recorded when the overlay is pushed along with the numbers on the ATM terminal.

The Sound

A keylogger program can also monitor the strokes of a keyboard via sound. Each key depressed has a unique sound signature. This is recorded and analyzed according to keyboard type, time and redundancy.

Protection

Anti-spyware programs are first in detecting keylogger programs. Internet users frequently have firewall protection. A firewall prevents the program from being installed onto the system in a remote manner. Windows Vista 64 bit version has a encryption device that prevents installation of keylogger programs.

FBI

The FBI used a keylogger program to retrieve the password of crime suspect Nicodermo Scarfo, Jr., in 2000. This has been criticized as a violation of privacy.