The word Keylogger describes a function designed to secretly monitor and log all keystrokes. It may be software maliciously introduced into the system like a virus without the knowledge of the user or it may be a device physically fitted on to the keyboard links by the owner to detect covert acts of his employees or other users of computer system working against him.

Keyloggers can be used to intercept passwords and other confidential information entered via the keyboard. Cyber criminals get PIN codes, account numbers of e-payment systems, passwords to online gaming accounts, email addresses, user names, email passwords and other information using keyloggers. Thus, Keyloggers pose a serious threat to users of computer systems especially in internet world.

By using confidential user data, a cyber criminal can easily transfer money from the user’s account or access the user’s online gaming account. Confidential information obtained using keyloggers can be used in industrial field as a tool for espionage. By stealing private encryption keys using keyloggers cyber criminals could pose a great threat to the security of the state if the keys are related to classified government files.

Keylogging is one of the main methods being used by cyber fraudsters. It would be difficult for a user even to know that a keylogger has been installed in his machine. Internet browsers and computer system users have to take necessary steps to keep their machine out of reach of cyber criminals by installing security software.

Cyber criminals employ Keyloggers to track websites visited by the user and log keystrokes entered on websites of particular interest to the cyber criminal.

No internet user is immune to cyber criminals, no matter where in the world he is located and no matter what organization he works for. Malicious programmes with keylogging functionality are invading the cyber net world. Equipped with power to extract multi-utility information data from the computer systems, keyloggers are more useful for cyber criminals than any other virus.

Account holders of a Scandinavian bank received e-mails, allegedly from the bank suggesting that they install an anti-spam product which was offered free of cost and was attached to the e-mail. The anti-spam programme when downloaded would infect the machine with dreaded Trojan virus called haxdoor. When the account holder browses the bank online, the haxdoor would display an error notification with a request to re-enter the registration information. The keylogger incorporated in the Trojan would record data entered by the bank’s clients, and later send this data to the cyber criminals’ server. This is how cyber criminals access client accounts, and transfer money from them.

The users of internet banking are advised not to be victimized to the tricks of cyber criminals and take preventive measures against such frauds. They can successfully counter the menace by installing a strong and vibrant security software and maintain nil balance immediately after the transaction. Just before the e-banking transaction maintain minimum required amount in the bank account. Keep on changing the pass word.

If the user becomes a victim in spite of precautionary measures, he should immediately contact a cyber crime investigator and also lodge a police complaint. Poornaprajna Cyber Quest is in the field of Cyber Crime Investigators and offer free consultations on cyber security.