Keylogger: How They Work and How to Detect Them

Securing personal information and sensitive data is crucial in today's digital age. Keylogger is stealthy malware that records keystrokes on devices, granting access to passwords, credit card details, and personal messages. To enhance cybersecurity, learn about keyloggers, and take proactive measures, you can take the best online Cyber Security courses. In this blog, let's delve into their workings to stay ahead of potential threats.

What is Keylogger? 

A malicious piece of software or hardware termed a keylogger is developed to monitor and record keystrokes executed on a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge or permission. It works covertly, recording each keystroke, including passwords, usernames, credit card numbers, and other private information. This private information gets sent to the attacker.

Keyloggers can be used for various purposes, including unauthorized access to personal information, identity theft, spying, and gathering intelligence. 

Types of Keyloggers 

Depending upon the mode of operation, there are different types of keyloggers in cyber security domain. Let’s know each type of keylogger in brief.

Software Keyloggers

Without the user's knowledge or consent, malicious software keyloggers can track and record keystrokes on a computer or mobile device. These keyloggers operate in the background, capturing all typed information, including passwords, credit card details, messages, and other sensitive data. The recorded keystrokes are typically saved in a hidden log file or sent to a remote server for unauthorized access by an attacker.

keyloggers software can be deployed through various methods, such as email attachments, malicious downloads, or compromised websites. Once installed, they operate silently, making it difficult for users to detect their presence. Software keylogger in cyber security poses a significant threat because it enable targeting all platforms. A simple search for keylogger iphone, keylogger Windows 10 or keylogger Android, etc. will provide many keylogger software for specific platforms. 

Some popular software keyloggers are Ardamax Keylogger, Kernel Computer Activity Monitor, Elite Keylogger, Refog Monitor, and Spyrix Free Keylogger. However, the use of these keyloggers must be within the legal boundaries and any illegal use can be punished under specific IT laws of a country. 

Hardware Keyloggers

Hardware keylogger is a physical device designed to intercept and record keystrokes entered on a computer or other input devices, such as keyboards. Unlike software keyloggers installed as malicious programs, hardware keyloggers are physical devices connected between the computer and the keyboard or inserted directly into the keyboard connector.

Hardware keyloggers are typically small and discreet, making them difficult to detect. The recorded keystrokes are stored in the internal memory of the hardware keylogger, which the attacker can later access. In some cases, hardware keyloggers may have additional features, such as wireless capabilities, allowing the captured data to be transmitted remotely to the attacker.

Some popular hardware keyloggers are AirDrive Keyboard Wizard anAirdrive Forensic keylogger. The below figure shows a hardware-based keylogger that can be prefixed with any USB-based keyboard.

Wireless Keyloggers

Wireless keyloggers are devices or software programs designed to intercept and record keystrokes entered on a computer or other input devices and transmitted the captured data wirelessly to a remote location. Unlike hardware keyloggers that require physical installation, wireless keyloggers can operate remotely without needing physical access to the target system.

Wireless keyloggers may be standalone devices that resemble USB dongles or small modules that can be discreetly attached to a computer or placed nearby. These devices capture keystrokes when they intercept wireless signals, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, between the keyboard and the computer.

Remote Access Trojans (RATs)

Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are keylogger malware that provides unauthorized access and control over a targeted computer or device without the user's knowledge or consent. RATs are typically spread through various means, including email attachments, malicious downloads, or software vulnerabilities. Once installed on a victim's device, the RAT establishes a covert connection between the compromised system and the attacker's command and control (C&C) server. As soon as the connection is established, the attacker gains full control of the victim's computer, allowing them to carry out different harmful actions. These activities may include 1) Surveillance, 2) File Manipulation, 3) System Control, 4) Network Exploitation, 5) Botnet Formation.

Kernel Keyloggers

Kernel Keyloggers are a type of malicious software designed to intercept and record keystrokes at the kernel level of an operating system. Unlike regular software keyloggers operating at the user level, kernel keyloggers have deep access to the operating system's core, giving them significant control and stealth capabilities. Due to kernel-level access, they have the potential to bypass antivirus software and other security tools that typically operate at higher levels.

Acoustic Keyloggers

Acoustic Keyloggers capture and analyzes acoustic signals generated by typing on a keyboard. Unlike traditional keyloggers, it exploits the unique sound patterns produced by each key press. It uses specialized microphones or sensors close to the targeted keyboard. These sensors can detect and record the acoustic signals produced by the physical impact of keystrokes, such as the sound of keys being pressed or released. The keylogger can determine the keys pressed and reconstruct the typed text by analyzing the recorded sound patterns.

Differences: Hardware vs. software keyloggers 

In the previous section, you learned about two key types of keyloggers: Hardware and software keyloggers. Here are the key differences between hardware and software keyloggers:

Hardware Keylogger	Software Keylogger
physical devices that are externally connected to the target computer or device.	programs or applications that are installed on the target computer or device.
They are typically inserted between the keyboard and the computer or connected to the USB port.	They operate in the background and record keystrokes by monitoring keyboard input or capturing screenshots.
capture keystrokes by intercepting the electrical signals between the keyboard and the computer.	can be installed remotely through email attachments, malicious websites, or infected software.
They can be difficult to detect as they do not require installation or leave any traces on the computer's operating system.	They can capture additional information such as passwords, usernames, and browsing activities.
can capture keystrokes even if the computer is not connected to the internet.	are often more customizable and can include features like remote access and data encryption.
Physical access to the target device is required to install or remove a hardware keylogger.	They can be detected and removed using antivirus or anti-malware software.

How Does Keylogger Work? 

Key logger work in the background, often without the user's knowledge, and can be exploited for various reasons, both good and bad. Common steps of how keyloggers work are listed and explained below:

1. Installation: Keyloggers can be installed on a target computer or device by downloading and running infected software, opening malicious email attachments, visiting compromised websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system or applications.

2. Keystroke Capture: Once installed, keyloggers start monitoring and capturing keystrokes made on the target device. This includes keystrokes entered through the keyboard, virtual keyboards, and on-screen keyboards. 

3. Data Logging: The captured keystrokes along with additional information such as timestamps, application context, and window titles are typically logged and stored in a file or sent to a remote server controlled by the attacker. 

4. Transmission: Keyloggers can transmit the logged data to a remote location through internet connections, email, FTP, or other remote access methods.

5. Data Retrieval: The attacker retrieves the captured keystrokes from the remote server or the keylogger's storage location. 

6. Persistence and Evasion: To remain undetected, keyloggers often employ techniques to evade antivirus or security software detection such as disguising themselves as legitimate processes or files, encrypting the captured data, or using rootkit capabilities to hide their presence from the operating system.

How Keyloggers Attack Your Device? 

Keyloggers can attack your device using various methods and techniques. Some common ways are as follows:

1. Malicious Software: Keyloggers can be bundled with or disguised as legitimate software, such as freeware, shareware, or pirated software. 

2. Phishing Attacks: Attackers can use phishing emails or messages to trick you into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments.

3. Drive-by Downloads: Visiting compromised websites or clicking on malicious ads can trigger automatic downloads of keyloggers to your device. 

4. Infected USB Drives: Keyloggers can be placed on infected USB drives and may get automatically executed and installed on your system after plug-in into the computer.

5. Social Engineering: Attackers can use social engineering techniques to manipulate users into installing a keylogger online or offline means. 

How to Detect and Remove Keyloggers? 

Detecting and removing keyloggers can be challenging, as they are designed to operate stealthily and remain undetected. However, you can consider the following steps to detect and remove keyloggers from your device:

1. Use Reliable Antivirus Software
2. Perform System Scans
3. Monitor System Performance
4. Check Running Processes
5. Review Installed Programs

How can I protect myself from keyloggers? 

Protecting from keyloggers requires a combination of proactive measures and safe computing practices. In addition to knowing about keyloggers, it would be more helpful for the defense to learn more about cybersecurity through Certified Ethical Hacker course online. Below are some steps that you can take to protect yourself from keyloggers:

1. Use Reliable Security Software: Install reputable antivirus or anti-malware software on your devices and keep it up to date. 

2. Keep Software Updated: Keyloggers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so keeping everything up to date is essential. Regularly update your operating system, applications, and software to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. 

3. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Be vigilant against phishing emails, messages, or websites that try to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown or untrusted sources.

4. Be Mindful of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions on public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be vulnerable to interception.

5. Exercise Caution with Downloads: Be cautious of freeware or pirated software, which may contain hidden keyloggers or other malware.

6. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): You should enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your mobile device and your password.

7. Consider Using Virtual Keyboards: Virtual keyboards can help protect against hardware keyloggers.

Tools to Prevent Keylogging 

There are several tools available that can help prevent keylogging and enhance your overall cybersecurity. 

1. Anti-Keylogger Software: Anti-keylogger software is specifically designed to detect and block keyloggers. These tools monitor system activities, analyze behavior patterns, and identify suspicious activities associated with keyloggers. Examples of popular anti-keylogger software include Zemana AntiLogger, SpyShelter, and KeyScrambler.

2. Virtual Keyboards: Most operating systems have a built-in virtual keyboard, or you can find third-party virtual keyboard applications.

3. Password Managers: You can avoid keyloggers that capture keystrokes by copying and pasting passwords from the password manager. Examples of popular password managers include LastPass, Dashlane, and KeePass.

4. Security Suites and Antivirus Software: Comprehensive security suites and antivirus software often include features that protect against keyloggers and other malware. Examples of security suites with anti-keylogger capabilities include Norton, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender.

5. System Monitoring Tools: System monitoring tools can monitor processes, network connections, and system behavior to identify any suspicious activities. Examples of system monitoring tools include Process Explorer, Sysinternals Suite, and GlassWire.

6. Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Firewalls and IDS can monitor network traffic and block unauthorized access attempts, including those made by keyloggers attempting to transmit captured data. 

Conclusion 

Keyloggers pose a significant risk to our digital security and personal information. Understanding their workings and attack vectors is crucial in developing a robust defense strategy. You can reduce the risk of keylogger infections by employing security measures such as antivirus software, regular updates, and safe browsing habits. Utilizing tools like encryption, anti-keylogging software, and two-factor authentication further strengthens our protection. Staying informed and adapting to emerging threats is essential. It will be advisable to learn more in-depth about keyloggers and other similar attack methods through KnowledgeHut’s Cyber Security classes online.