A Keylogger (KeyLogger, Key Logger, or Keystroke Logger) is a process/program that usually runs in the background, recording keystrokes. Even in the Unix/Linux world it's very plausible and easy to use, if you've got root, of course! :-)
One keylogger that I have tested, was a pice of PS2 harware, which you placed on the computers PS2 or nowdays USB port, right in the middle of the keyboard. I had a memory that was enought to collect thousands of keystrokes, and filter out what would be usernames and passwords. SCARY!! I mean, how many of you check your Office machines for keystroke loggers (hardware) on the back of your stationary PC? I do, but consider me an extremely paraonid freak! As this is in the field of my work, I am excused.
From what I have experienced, I came across several keyloggers while visting foreign countries Internet Cafe's. Watch out!!! Don't EVER DO any bank transactions or CREDIT CARDS buys on a non trusted public computer!! I will demonstrate later how easy we make it for criminals to take our hard earned money. So remember, be very sure if you're using a public internet connection, that you can trust that it's perfectly free of keylogging or other audtiting software.
Howoever, the field for using keyloggers are usually to spy on your loved ones, which must be considered very ugly at best. I could find a couple of reason where I personally would sanction them, but they are very few and rare.
On Microsoft or MacOS operatin machines keystrokes are logged, then hidden in the machine for later retrieval, or sent of to the attacker/s, for searches of passwords and usernames. Ugly!!
Ok fellas, take car out there, and surf safe, until next time.
ALX
