How to Protect Yourself Against Keylogger Spyware

Keylogger spyware, also known as a keystroke logger, is a software application that captures and records each and every keystroke that is typed on your keyboard. Keylogger software was originally developed for positive, productive uses such as diagnosing problems with a computer system, measuring employee productivity and retrieving lost or deleted data. However, hackers and other cyber criminals have since adapted it for unscrupulous purposes such as phishing and other identity theft. Here's how to protect your PC system and personal information from Keylogger spyware.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Enable your firewalls. This is especially important if you are hooked up to a DSL/Broadband connection. Firewalls are designed to prevent outside access to your computer. Being constantly connected to the Internet makes you even more vulnerable to keylogging hackers. A firewall won't stop the keylogger in a literal sense, but it may help prevent the transmission of the information back to the hacker.

2. Install anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Keylogger spyware often invades your PC system via viruses, Trojans and other malware. Your anti-spyware and antiviral are your first line of defense. A number of open-source and commercial applications are available online, to clean out any keyloggers that they detect.

3. Obtain and use an automated form-filler, particularly if you often enter personal or financial information at any website. These form fillers encrypt and save this confidential information and automatically fill it in, so you won't have to type it in.

4. Consider using an on screen keyboard. You would enter your information into this keyboard using your mouse rather than typing it in. Key-logging software can only record information that is typed in rather than entered with your mouse. Speech recognition software would serve the same purpose, as no keystrokes or mouse movements can register.

5. Get an alternative keyboard layout. Most of the keylogger software available is based on the traditional QWERTY layout. If you use a layout such as DVORAK, the captured keystrokes do not make sense unless converted.

6. Keep track of the programs that are running on your computer. Keyloggers tend to run in the background, out of sight. You can check the programs via the Task Manager by pressing (Ctrl + Alt + Delete). Your USB port and computer games such as the PS2 have been used to install keylogger software.

7. Use a one time password (OTP). An OTP is key logger proof, because once it is used, it is automatically invalidated. This is especially helpful if you are using a public computer.

[johndoe]

on 6/29/2008 You can also get OTPs for google mail, yahoo mail, hotmail, and other popular web-based email services using the service at http://kyps.net