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What is a key logger?
A key logger, or keystroke logger, is a piece or hardware of software which records user keystrokes.
Hardware Key Loggers
A hardware key logger is a small piece of hardware which is usually inserted between the keyboard port and the keyboard. The hardware key logger then records all user keystrokes to it's internal memory. These devices have memory capacities between 8Kb and 2MB.
Because these devices can be spotted by an alert user, manufacturers now offer hardware key loggers which are disguised as baluns and also complete keyboards with hardware key loggers built-in.
Software Key Loggers
A software key logger can save the expense of purchasing a hardware key logger. In addition, if you can exploit a software vulnerability, a configuration error, or user gullability, you can install a software key logger remotely.
A good software key logger should use very little memory and very few CPU cycles, so as not to attract attention to itself. A good key logger should also hide itself from the Task List and from the Uninstall List. A good key logger should be invisible to the person being monitored. A better key logger will support remote installation and the ability to remotely retrieve keystroke logs. A better key logger should also be able to log only user-defined types of data, such as usernames and passwords.
Many software keystroke loggers are integrated with other surreptitious recording software, such as screen capture software, remote control software, or audio and video recorders.
A few free key loggers are:
- Tiny Key Logger
- Home Keylogger
- RegLoad Keylogger
- LKL Linux KeyLogger
- Tcleo - Linux kernel-based key logger
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