Keystroke Logger

What Does Keystroke Logger Mean?

A keystroke logger is a device or program that allows the user to monitor what another user types into a device. In some cases, a keystroke logger is hardware that attaches to the keyboard or another part of a hardware system. In other cases, it is a program that is considered a type of spyware that can be slipped into a system and used in various ways, many of which are illegal.

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A keystroke logger may also be called a keylogger.

Techopedia Explains Keystroke Logger

In terms of the makeup of a keystroke logger spyware program, its most basic elements often include a dynamic link library (DLL), and an executable that runs the file. As the keystroke logger represents a somewhat common type of spyware or malware, there is a focus on how to identify, isolate and disarm these types of monitoring programs. Some users rely on utilities like tcpview to catch keystroke loggers, while others purchase anti-malware and anti-spyware programs that specialize in identifying these threats.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…