- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.









