Malware is not just a computer virus and it can take many forms. A keylogger is software that captures your keystrokes and sends them to a third party without your knowledge. Keyloggers are designed not to be detected by the user, so they are often used by hackers and cybercriminals to capture usernames, passwords, instant messages, email, credit card information, chat conversations, and more.
If someone is suspicious of your computer, they may install a keylogger to find out what you are doing and what you know. Keyloggers are not difficult to remove, just follow these steps.
What is a keylogger?
A keylogger is a malicious program that is installed secretly on your computer and takes screenshots and saves the keystrokes it makes. A keystroke capture program captures information on your computer and sends it to a remote computer. This software is usually designed to go unnoticed by your computer users. Keyloggers might look like harmless, but malicious programs.
How keyloggers work
Keyloggers are designed to work in the background and record your keystrokes. They do this without your knowledge, so you might not even notice the program running.
Keyloggers can record your keystrokes for any of the following reasons:
- To steal your confidential information
- To record your keystrokes when you are offline
- To record your keystrokes when you are not using a keyboard
- To record the time, date or IP address you use the computer
- To record the programs you use and websites you visit
- To record your keystrokes when you are away from your computer
Security tips for removing keyloggers
If you have a concern about someone using your computer, there are a number of things you can do to protect your privacy and computer from keyloggers.
Use strong passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for each account you have. Think of complex passwords and not write them down anywhere in case they are stolen. Keep your passwords secure! Do not store them on your computer – use a password-protected USB memory stick instead. Keep passwords to yourself and not share them with anyone.Ensure that any online account you use – banking, online shopping, social media, etc – has strong, unique passwords.
Use secure Wi-Fi when available
Keep your operating system, browser, and anti-virus or anti-malware software up-to-date.Turn your privacy and security settings to the highest level possible. Never click on links in emails or respond to emails that ask for personal details. Use a secure browser – avoid using Internet Explorer (IE).
Never enter your birthdate, passport number, or other sensitive information into any websites. Do not enter your bank account details into websites.
Use security software
Install security software on your computer and make sure it is updated. Look for security software that blocks malware, spyware, and other malicious programs. Check if the software has anti-keylogger features.
Use security software with automatic updates – turned on or set to check for updates automatically (e.g., Norton, BitDefender, Kaspersky).
Be wary of free software
Free software offers may be too good to be true. Free software is often referred to as “trialware”. Many trialware programs have spyware and other malicious software. Try to avoid installing trialware because it has hidden malware.
Avoid downloading or installing software from unknown sources
Be wary of free software downloads from websites that offer free software. Avoid downloading software from websites that appear to have malicious software, as these could be infected with malicious software.
Create security software backups
Download backup software and create regular backups of your files. You can use your backup files to recover if your computer becomes infected with malicious software.
How do you know if you have a keylogger on your computer?
How do you know if you have a keylogger on your computer?
- Are there programs on your computer that are running that you don’t recognize?
In general, when programs run on your computer, they will be listed on the taskbar and in the task manager. If there is a program running that you don’t recognize, it might mean that a keylogger is running on your computer.
- Are there new shortcuts on your desktop that you don’t recognize?
Keyloggers may add a few shortcuts to your desktops, such as PC Guard, Security Shield, Ace Keylogger or Keyguard. These shortcuts are not really related to your computer, and they should not be there.
- Is there a new icon on your computer that you don’t recognize?
Keyloggers may add a few files to your desktops, such as AppData or My Documents. These files are not related to your computer, and they should not be there.
- Are you receiving pop-ups on your computer?
Keyloggers usually leave the computer alone and collect the information from their server to send to the attacker. Sometimes, the keyloggers may collect the information and send it to the attacker, or they may collect the information and send it to the attacker’s server. In that case, you may receive pop-ups from the attacker.
- Do you have advertisements popping up all over the screen?
Keyloggers may display advertisements or pop-up messages on the computer screen. These advertisements and pop-up messages are probably related to the attacker.
- Are you receiving scam messages or warnings?
Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, you may receive scam messages or warnings.
- Can you access or edit documents in the background?
Keyloggers are a device that is planted by an individual to monitor and record the activities of a user, who then receives a notification about the device’s activity. Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, you may not be able to access or edit documents in the background.
- Are you receiving unusually high processor or memory usage?
Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, your computer may consume unusually high processor or memory usage.
- Do you have unusual background activity?
In that event, your computer may have unusual background activity, such as pop-up messages, windows, processes, or system tasks that you don’t recognize.
- Are you being redirected to unusual sites?
Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, you may be redirected to unusual sites.
- Are you receiving pop-up messages or warnings?
Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, you may be redirected to pop-up messages or warnings.
- Are your programs running slowly?
Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, your programs may run slowly.
- Are you receiving unwanted emails?
Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, you may receive unwanted emails, such as spam emails or emails from unknown sources.
- Can you access or edit documents in the background?
Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, you may not be able to access or edit documents in the background.
- Is your computer unusually slow?
Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, your computer may be unusually slow.
- Can you access or edit documents in the background?
Keyloggers usually collect the information and send it to the attacker. In that event, you may not be able to access or edit documents in the background.
Conclusion:
There is no way to remove a keylogger from your computer without knowing what type it is. If you are unsure if you have a keylogger on your computer, you should first run a program like Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Anti-Malware, or Anti-Keylogger Free to check for keyloggers. If you are positive that you do have a keylogger, you should call up a reputable computer repair company to have them remove it.
