What Are Keylogger Files?
A keylogger is a device or program that tracks each keystroke one makes on a keyboard. It monitors computer activity, including recording chat sessions, email messages and any use of word processing, spreadsheet and other applications. Keyloggers store the keystrokes in files that are accessible by the person who installed the keylogger device or program.
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Dynamic Link Library File
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The keylogger's dynamic link library file (DLL) records all of the keystrokes from the keylogger's device or program. The DLL file is in the keylogger's main program directory or device along with the program's executable file(s). The DLL file works along with your computer's operating system and the launching of the keylogger's executable file(s).
Keystroke File
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The keylogger's DLL file transfers and stores the keystrokes in a separate log file that also is stored within the keylogger's main program directory or device. The log file breaks itself into multiple files once it reaches its limit, set by the keylogger's executable file.
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Transmitting the Files
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The keylogger's executable file transmits the log file(s) to the email address or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) address set by the user collecting the data. Keylogger log files can be encrypted, if desired, and password-protected.
Unknown to Computer User
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Keylogger devices, programs and DLL and log files are silent and hidden, and the computer users being monitored do not know that their keystrokes are being recorded. The log files are transmitted without others knowing about the process. But there are third-party applications that can detect keylogger programs and logs if one suspects a keystroke-monitoring program is installed on a computer.
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