Wondering , also known as keystroke loggers? Keyloggers are a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy; silently working in the background secretly recording every keystroke and sometimes even capturing screen shots. Keyloggers are often bundled with other malware, such as computer viruses, spyware, and trojan horses.
This malicious software can lead you to having your personal info stolen; added to the every growing list of victims of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.
Don't disconnect your Internet connection forever just yet. Fortunately, there are steps to take to prevent and detect keyloggers.
First of all, if you haven't already, install anti-virus software. This Internet security software helps prevent keyloggers and other malicious software. It is important to remember to keep it up-to-date; anti-virus software is only as good as the last update. It is good to know that there is reputable and free anti-virus software available for download online.
It is crucial that you have anti-spyware software installed on your computer. It detects most, but certainly not all keystroke loggers. There is free anti-spyware software available for download online. It is crucial to make sure that it is reputable anti-spyware software before you download it. There is so-called "free anti-spyware software" that in reality is not free and might even be bundled with malicious software, including a keylogger.
Probably the most important step is to have reputable anti-keylogger software installed. Anti-virus and anti-spyware software do not protect you from all keystroke loggers. Unlike other Internet security software anti-keylogger software does not rely on virus signatures and "full system scans". It actually detects and blocks keyloggers.
Ensure that you have a firewall installed. This Internet security software can block a hacker from remotely installing a keylogger on your computer. It can also stop a keylogger already installed on your computer to send personal information and other data remotely to a cyber criminal. There is reputable free personal firewalls available for download online. Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all include a free firewall. If you have not other firewall installed on your computer ensure that it is activated.
Last but not least, check your computer manually for hardware keyloggers. This is especially important when using a public computer, such as one in a public library. Specifically check the cable between your computer and your keyboard as well as your USB ports for a hardware keystroke logger.
By following these steps you'll greatly reduce the chances of having a keylogger as well as other malicious software installed on your computer. When it comes to keystroke loggers and other malware an ounce of prevention can indeed be worth a pound of cure.
Christopher Hecker is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise on Internet security and privacy. Please visit Internet security 101 for free Internet security software, advice and tips to protect your computer from malicious software, including keyloggers.
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