How to Keep Track of Keyboard Strokes

Keyloggers help you enforce the security on your family computer.

You can track keystrokes on your computer either by installing key-logger software on your computer or by connecting a hardware keylogger that collects data via a connected keyboard. Tracking keystrokes gives you the opportunity to see what activity is taking place on your computer, but it introduces certain security risks. Keyloggers capture every single keystroke on your computer, including usernames, passwords and credit card information.

Instructions

Software

1. Choose a key-logging software that will work best with your computer. Home Keylogger at Kmint21.com/keylogger/ is a free recorder offered by KMint 21 software. REFOG Free Keylogger from Refog.com/free-keylogger/key-logger.html is another home PC key-logging program. WebWatcher from Webwatchernow.com is a commercial program that monitors a computer remotely, removing the risk of discovery in the system monitor.

2. Install the program on your computer, and set up the program to meet your needs. Programs that can be hidden will set up what keys open the program after it's hidden. REFOG allows you to set your shortcut during setup, while Home Keylogger uses the same keystroke combo to open the program -- pressing the "Ctrl", "Alt", "Shift" and "M" keys.

3. Check your key-logger program to view the logs of all keystrokes.

Hardware

1. Purchase a hardware keylogger compatible with your computer. Keyboards use one of two connection types -- PS2, which is round, or USB, which is flat and rectangular. Hardware keyloggers can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon.com and Tiger Direct.

2. Connect the keylogger to your computer's keyboard port.

3. Plug your keyboard into the other end of the keylogger.

4. Access the keylogger using the instructions provided by your hardware manufacturer regularly to see what's been typed on your computer's keyboard. You can access it directly from your computer, or by plugging the keylogger into another computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Hardware keyloggers use internal memory, anywhere from 2 MB to 4 MB, to store keystrokes. This memory is password-protected, and it can be accessed from any computer the logger is plugged into.

• Software keyloggers use system resources, and they may be detectable by a paranoid or computer-savvy user. Hardware keyloggers may be noticed by someone looking for them, but they do not use system resources.

References

• Brick House Security: Hardware Keyloggers
• Key Ghost: Keylogger Comparison