How to Remove Keystroke Recorders

Keystroke recorder logs can track everything you type on your keyboard.

A keystroke recorder is a program that can keep track of everything you type on your keyboard. An attacker can then retrieve this information and use it to find out sensitive information. If you enter a bank account or credit card number on a computer with a keystroke recorder, your account information will be saved in plain text that anyone who has access to the keystroke recorder logs can read. It is possible to detect and remove any keystroke recorders that might be present on your computer system.

Instructions

1. Check your computer system for a hardware keystroke recorder. Trace the cord that connects your keyboard to your PC. The cord should connect directly into the computer. Remove any devices you find connected between your PC case and keyboard--they could be hardware keystroke recorders attached to your system.

2. Uninstall any keystroke recorders that are listed in the "Add/Remove Programs" dialog box. Click "Start" then "Control Panel." Open the "Add/Remove Programs" icon. Look through the list of installed programs. Remove any programs that identify themselves as keystroke recorders.

3. Check the running processes for keyloggers. Press the "Control," "Alt" and "Delete" keys at the same time. Click to open the "Task Manager" if presented with a list of options. Look through the list of running applications. Select any applications that appear to be keystroke recorders and then click "End Task."

4. Perform a spyware scan of your computer. Many advanced keystroke recorders hide themselves from the "Add/Remove Programs" or "Task Manager" functions of Windows. Download a spyware cleaning program and allow it to check your entire system. Remove any threats that are found during the system spyware scan.

5. Run an anti-virus scan on your system. Some keyloggers that aren't detected by anti-spyware software can be located in an anti-virus scan. Scan the entire system and quarantine or delete any threats that your anti-virus software finds. Check your system regularly with your anti-virus software.

Tips & Warnings

• The only way to detect and remove a hardware keystroke recorder is to visually find the device and physically remove it from the system.

References

• Smart Soft: FAQ About Smart Keystroke Recorder
• PC World: Privacy Watch: Don't Let Anyone Secretly Track Your Keystrokes