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How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - etcBro - 10-06-2009
How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers
Q: What is keylogging?
A: A keylogger is a type of surveillance software (considered to be either software or spyware) that has the capability to record every keystroke you make to a log file, usually encrypted. A keylogger can record instant messages, e-mail, and any information you type at any time using your keyboard. The log file created by the keylogger can then be sent to a specified receiver. Some keylogger programs will also record any e-mail addresses you use and Web site URLs you visit.
Definition from http://isp.webopedia.com/TERM/K/keylogger.html
Q: How can keyloggers be harmful?
A: Personal information can be stolen from you or any users of the infected computer.
Q: How can I protect myself from them?
A: There are many ways and I will list a few of them in my tutorial.
Method 1: on-screen keyboards
Keyloggers record KEY strokes, and if you use an on-screen keyboard to enter personal information, then that information won't be recorded by the keylogger and will prevent thus information from being stolen. Most windows operating systems will come with an on-screen keyboard already installed. For vista users, just hit start, type keyboard in the search box, and click On-Screen Keyboard.
You can also download a free On-Screen Keyboard from, http://oskm.ifastnet.com/download.html
Method 2: Anti-Virus and Firewall
If you already have Anti-Virus and Firewall, then don't read this bit.
Q: What is Anti-Virus
A: Software that detects, repairs, cleans, or removes virus-infected files from a computer.
Q: What is Firewall?
A: A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting outward communication.
To put it in simple terms, Anti-Virus programs will remove, prevent, and repair infections on your computer. One of which is a keylogger. Firewall basically blocks unauthorized information being sent from your computer.
Q: How do these protect me?
A: Well Anti-Virus will remove the keylogger and Firewall will prevent it from sending your keystrokes.
There are many different types of Anti-Virus/Firewall programs available. Some do better then others. Here is a list of Anti-Virus Programs that I recommend.
1)Kaspersky / Paid / http://usa.kaspersky.com/store/
2)Comodo / Free / http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/download_firewall.html
3)AVG / Free / http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?part=dl-10044820&subj=dl&tag=button&cdlPid=11014801
AVG and Comodo also have paid Anti-Virus Programs on their site.
For more Anti-Virus/Firewall Programs: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Anti-virus+and+firewall+programs
Method 3: Key Scramblers
Q: What is a Key Scrambler?
A: A Key Scrambler is a program that encrypts keystrokes as you type, but then decrypts said keystrokes so that what you typed will appear on your screen.
Q: How can this protect me?
A: Simple, lets say you type "Bob". The key scrambler will encrypt "Bob" as "jdh". The keylogger will record "jdh" and then the key scrambler will decrypt "jdh" so "Bob" appears on the screen.
You can download a free Key Scrambler from, http://download.cnet.com/KeyScrambler-Personal/3000-2144_4-10848906.html.
For more Key Scramblers: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Key+Scramblers
And that concludes my Mini Tutorial on protecting yourself from keyloggers.
I was very tired while writing this so feel free to mention typos etc etc.
RE: How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - Skawke - 10-06-2009
Use keyscrambler.
RE: How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - Elektrisk - 10-06-2009
You should include KeyScrambler as well. But nice tutorial overall.
RE: How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - etcBro - 10-06-2009
Added Key Scrambling. Any other suggestions? Leave some feedback.
RE: How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - Kharnage - 10-06-2009
I would love you if you linked my key scrambler thread in the key scrambler part
RE: How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - Extasey - 10-06-2009
I don't know why, but key scramblers make me laugh. I like the whole idea behind them!
Very tricky!
RE: How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - Viciousness - 10-06-2009
I would include sandboxie.
I always sandbox strange files to see if they attempt to connect to any suspicious IP addresses or do anything else out of the ordinary before I run them, so yeah.
RE: How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - S1cKL3R - 10-06-2009
I bypass this by never downloading anything on this computer. ANYTHING!
RE: How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - etcBro - 10-07-2009
More feedback please?
RE: How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers - Gone - 10-07-2009
Very nice, but i was told that people are making de key scramblers. Which would be hard but w.e, i just think the best is use a virus-free os for now.