Keylogger

A keylogger is a program or device that records every key you press, so a thief can read your passwords, messages and card details.

Keylogger: A keylogger records what you type. It can be software hidden on a computer or phone, or a small hardware gadget plugged between a keyboard and a PC. The recorded keystrokes, including passwords, OTP entries and chats, are sent to or collected by the attacker.

On computers, keyloggers often come with pirated software, fake updates or email attachments. In shared places such as a cyber cafe, a hardware keylogger can sit unseen behind the machine. On phones, malicious keyboards or apps that misuse the accessibility service can capture what you type. Some fake keyboards and free tools offered online include a keylogger inside them, so check who made the app before installing.

Keyloggers matter because they beat strong passwords: the thief sees exactly what you enter. Use a password manager to fill passwords without typing, avoid banking on public computers, and keep your keyboard app to the one that came with the phone or a well-known maker. Watching your keystrokes means the thief can try your accounts later, even days after the capture.

Tips

• Never log in to bank or email accounts on a cyber cafe or shared computer.
• Use a trusted keyboard app and remove keyboards you do not remember installing.
• Use a password manager and two-factor authentication so a stolen password alone is not enough.

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