How to Tell if Keylogger Is on a PC
Keyloggers are small applications designed to capture the keystrokes input into a computer through a keyboard. According to Securityfocus.com, the information can then be sent back to the source of the software, such as a malicious user, by email or by uploading the information directly to a web server. There are two main types of keyloggers: hardware keyloggers and software keyloggers. By following a few safety measures, you can easily check your computer for these programs.
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Instructions
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1
Check your keyboard's connection to your computer. Check at the base of your keyboard and the base of the keyboard's connection into the back of the computer. These are common locations for hardware versions of keyloggers. Remove any device that is placed between your keyboard's direct connection to the computer.
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2
Check your computer's installed programs for any programs that you do not recognize. In many cases, keyloggers hide from the installed programs list, but in some cases a keylogger may be visible.
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3
Open your antivirus software and check for updated virus definitions. New keyloggers and viruses are invented often, so antivirus software must be frequently updated to remain effective.
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Run your antivirus software and scan your computer. Many keyloggers will be detected by virus software, but can sometimes be seen as a legitimate program.
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Install an anti-spyware program to search for keylogging software that your antivirus program could have missed. Ad-aware and Spybot Search and Destroy are two free programs to help identify spyware on your computer.
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Run a full system scan with your fully updated anti-spyware software. Allow the program to remove any infections that are discovered.
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Tips & Warnings
To prevent getting a keylogger infection, try to use an antivirus software that actively monitors your computer.
Use a more secure internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox to help prevent infections that are aimed at exploiting weaknesses in older browsers.
Never click on suspicious links or open files that you did not request.
