How to Detect a Stealth Keylogger
Keyloggers are programs that monitor computer keystrokes in order to harvest information. They are used by cyber criminals to steal personal information, such as bank account details, or may be part of an advertising spyware program designed to record personal information in order to sell products. Keyloggers are installed by stealth, exploiting security flaws or posing as a benign program. You can detect them by being alert to unusual activity and installing a firewall and anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
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Instructions
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Look for unusual activity and changes to a computer's performance, such as unknown programs launching during the start-up process. If a computer runs slower than usual, this may be a warning sign, as keyloggers take up bandwidth, the pc-washer website notes. Keyloggers, particularly advertising keyloggers which record computer activity in order to sell products, may generate a lot of pop-up ads. They may also add shortcuts and change homepage settings without the user's permission.
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Install a firewall. Firewalls monitor a computer's Internet connection ports to prevent unauthorized intrusion. They also monitor outgoing communications, which means that the firewall will alert you if a keylogger program is attempting to send information to a remote location. If a firewall if already installed, be alert for warnings about outgoing communication attempts. A firewall will block these communications unless the user gives the program access rights. Be wary of giving unfamiliar programs permission to bypass your firewall settings.
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Run trusted security software. If you don't already have anti-virus and anti-spyware software, install it now. Many respected programs, including Avira AntiVir and AVG are free to non-commercial users and can scan for and remove spyware, including keyloggers. These programs can safely remove keyloggers without damaging your system. Some security companies, including Panda and Trend Micro, offer free online scans. These are useful if you don't already have security software, or want to check how well existing anti-virus and anti-spyware programs are working, according to the PCWorld website.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not type in bank account details or credit card numbers on your keyboard if you suspect that your computer is infected with a keylogger.
References
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