detecting key-stroke logger activity

Dick_Turpin99

Can anyone recommend a good program that will detect if there is any activity of key-stroke logging and dubious screen-shot activity?

Hammyman

Malwarebytes will check for such malware on your computer. However there are legitimate programs installed by companies to monitor staff and these are not picked up.

fwor

Also be aware that if you are using a PC that you don't own (e.g. library or internet cafe) then it's possible that someone could have fitted a hardware keystroke logger, and the only way to detect those is to physically search for them - no program can detect them.

bikerchris

Just a quick comment, but you should check the physical connection first, there are plug in key stroke loggers that are plugged inline with the keyboard.

Appreciate that most keylogging software is designed not to be seen.

• If this is your computer, increase the security.
  
• If this is not your computer, you have no right to search for keylogging software (unfair I know).

I have installed this type of software many times on childrens computer (owned by parents) and it's very stealthy. Normally requiring a USB dongle to access it at all.

abisum

bikerchris wrote: »

Just a quick comment, but you should check the physical connection first, there are plug in key stroke loggers that are plugged inline with the keyboard.

Appreciate that most keylogging software is designed not to be seen.

• If this is your computer, increase the security.
  
• If this is not your computer, you have no right to search for keylogging software (unfair I know).

I have installed this type of software many times on childrens computer (owned by parents) and it's very stealthy. Normally requiring a USB dongle to access it at all.

It is scary to think that parents would invade on their children's privacy like this, But i think that even if it is not computer i think you have the right to protect yourself from revealing valuable information through the keylogger. Heard of some internet cafes having shut down because of such malpractice.

olly300

abisum wrote: »

It is scary to think that parents would invade on their children's privacy like this, But i think that even if it is not computer i think you have the right to protect yourself from revealing valuable information through the keylogger. Heard of some internet cafes having shut down because of such malpractice.

Apart from your post not making very much sense - yes I agree it's an abuse of trust and you are setting yourself up for further problems if you cannot communicate openly with your child(ren) about what they are doing online.

I've seen it in my own family. I managed to stop a lot of damage due to being an IT professional and convincing the parents concerned to enforce where computers should be used in their household which was backed up by someone else they respected.

In regards to using computers in public places such as internet cafes, you are warned time and time again that the computer is not secure. This means you shouldn't be doing your banking on it, buying stuff online with your debit card, etc

paddyrg

If you're anxious that your own machine may have had a software KL installed covertly, the only surefire solution is a complete rebuild. I know in some instances a KL can be tailored to be specifically invisible to pattern-based virus scanners (ie custom tailored for a particular target), so it depends how likely that is in your case. If you're not attracting attention, it is highly, highly unlikely you will be individually targetted. As such, you may find a deep scan with available tools will help - no guarantees, but may help.

Aiadi

abisum wrote: »

It is scary to think that parents would invade on their children's privacy like this

Are you for real???

Dick_Turpin99

thanks for the replies

For the record its my own personal computer, i am a consultant that has to hook in to a variety of different organisations abroad and I am always wary of what is going on 'behind the scenes'

Dick_Turpin99

thank you Node, much appreciated. I will give it a try! :beer: