How to Check a Pc for a Keylogger
Key logger is a software that tracks and records all keys typed in a computer system. There are many variations of key loggers that exists in the e-world. Most of them get saved to your computer automatically without your permission, and send their tracking report back to their developers.
Key loggers were actually created for useful purposes. It was developed so that parents can keep a track of their children internet usage, for spouses to keep their partners in check, and these early versions could only be installed by someone with administrative rights to the computer.
However, after their huge success, hackers started making malwares which sneaked their way into the computer unlawfully and started leaking information back to their creators. These days key loggers not only saves the key strokes typed by the user automatically, but also take screen shots and combines all this information into one daily report and send it back to their developers. There are paid versions that users can buy which once installed in some one’s system, will do key logging and send information back to the buyer.
Apart from being efficient, key loggers are also hideous and are difficult to detect. In order to check your computer for key loggers, you will have to download a number of software programs.
Instructions
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1
Prevention is better than cure, so download a secure firewall such as Zone Alarm on your system. It is recommended to purchase the paid copy of the firewall as it offers complete internet security. Install the software, click on ‘Permissions’ and choose the highest security level for all firewall options. It will keep your computer safe from malwares which attempt to sneak in the system through the internet.
Zone Alarm keeps a track of internet traffic through each and every port and prevents any unwanted download of software to your computer.
Image courtesy: qsl.net
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2
Download and install a complete antivirus solution such as Kaspersky Internet security. Buy a paid subscription as free or cracked versions offer minimum protection. Update the virus definitions of your antivirus program and run a complete system scan for all malware types. On the completion of the scan, it will display all detected forms of malware and will mention if there are key loggers installed on your system or not.
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3
Download and install a spyware searching program such as ‘Spybot Search and Destroy’ and run a complete system scan to get your computer rid of key loggers and other types of malware.
