Software Keyloggers
Software keyloggers are programs installed on your device’s hard drive, and they can be categorized into several types:
1. API-Based Keyloggers
Operation: These keyloggers intercept the signals sent from each keypress to the application you’re typing into.
Mechanism: They utilize Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to log each keystroke by quietly intercepting keyboard APIs and recording the data in a system file.
2. Form-Grabbing Keyloggers
Operation: These keyloggers capture all text entered into website forms.
Mechanism: They record the data locally before it is transmitted online to the web server, allowing them to capture sensitive information like login credentials and personal details.
3. Kernel-Based Keyloggers
Operation: These keyloggers infiltrate the system’s core to gain admin-level permissions.
Mechanism: By accessing the kernel, they obtain unrestricted access to all keystrokes entered into the system, making them particularly difficult to detect and remove.
What is Keystroke Logging and Keyloggers?
A keylogger, short for keystroke logger, is a type of surveillance technology used to monitor and record each keystroke typed on a keyboard. This information is often collected covertly and can serve various purposes, ranging from legitimate to malicious.
Keyloggers come in two primary forms: hardware and software. Hardware keyloggers are physical devices attached to the keyboard or computer that capture keystrokes, while software keyloggers are programs installed on a computer or device, which can be further categorized into kernel-based, API-based, and form-grabbing keyloggers.
While keyloggers can be used for legitimate purposes such as parental control, employee monitoring, and security auditing, they are often associated with malicious activities like stealing personal information, passwords, and credit card details. Due to their potential for misuse, keyloggers are considered a significant security threat, and detecting and removing them is crucial for protecting sensitive information.