The use of key loggers in New Zealand

Lover Spy - a commercial key logger program

Sample output from Lover Spy

Click on image for enlargement

Key loggers are programs which record every key typed on a computer. This information is then sent back to the person who installed it.

They can be installed by anyone who has access to a computer or can be included in "harmless" programs like e-greeting cards.

If you use internet banking a key logger can record your bank account password - which is then used to remove all your money from your accounts!

How do you know if you have a key stroke logger on your computer?

You don't always know.

Make sure you have the latest virus detection software (check that your anti-virus software looks for spyware).

Whenever you use a computer in an internet cafe or public library it may contain a key logger.

How to fool key loggers

The main weakness of keystroke logging software is that they do not capture mouse actions.

When typing in your username or password enter some extra characters - then delete them using the mouse.

For example:

If your password is anger

When you click Enter/OK/Logon the password that is sent to your bank will be anger.

The key logger would register: dangerously{BackSpace}{BackSpace} because it does not track your mouse movements.

How you can avoid getting a key stroke logger

Keep your operating system up to date
be careful with file sharing programs - if not configured correctly others may have access to all your files
increase the privacy level on your browser to not accept cookies from untrusted sites
never click on a web link in an email - they may not take you to the site they say they are
use a unique password for internet banking that is different from all your other passwords
follow our example above for getting around key stroke loggers
use spyware detection software
Set your web browser to not save passwords (and deleted ones that may have already been stored)

See also