A keylogger is malicious software or hardware installed on a computer to record anything you type (including passwords). Many keyloggers can also be used for other surveillance. While keyloggers can be used legally in certain situations, they are also often used by cybercriminals to steal passwords and personal information of internet users without their knowledge. Keyloggers are a clear violation of privacy as they can be used to steal passwords and cause a computer to slow down. Therefore, if you think you are being monitored by someone else illegally through a keylogger, try detecting and removing it.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready
Step 1. Ensure that the computer system is fully protected from any known attack vulnerabilities
You must update the operating system and applications. Software that is not updated creates security holes that make computers vulnerable to attack.
Step 2. Tell all computer users not to click carelessly on the internet
This is especially true of pop-ups and free stuff offered on the internet.
Step 3. Make sure you have a secure configuration of the web browser (browser)
Step 4. Install a reputable security program on the computer
Always install and activate antivirus and antimalware. Some good free programs include Malwarebytes (for malware) and Panda or Avast (for viruses). Don't forget to keep the security software up to date.
Part 2 of 3: Detecting Keylogger
Step 1. Open Task Manager
Do this by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting "Task Manager". Check the window in the task manager for suspicious processes. Do an internet search for unknown process names to see if the program is malicious. If you see a suspicious process name on your computer, it could be a keylogger or a virus.
Step 2. Type "msconfig" in the Start search field, then press Enter
Open "Startup", then check if there are any suspicious programs that are set to run on their own when the computer boots. If there is a suspicious program, do an internet search to find out if it is malicious.
Step 3. Do a recheck
Many keyloggers don't show up in Task Manager or msconfig. Use a reputable anti-malware program to find hidden keyloggers on your computer.
Step 4. Check the desktop computer
If you're using a desktop computer, check for a hardware keylogger. Check the keyboard cable connected to the computer case. If there's a device attached to the cable between the keyboard and the case, it's probably a hardware keylogger. However, keep in mind that it could be a converter or a harmless tool.
Part 3 of 3: Removing Keylogger
Step 1. Check if the keylogger is viewable
If the detected keylogger can be seen as an entry in the list of programs in the Control Panel, it means that the keylogger is equipped with an uninstaller. Remove the program, and use anti-malware to clean up any leftover program files.
Step 2. Try using an uninstaller
In some keyloggers, such as Logisoft's Revealer Keylogger, the installer program can be used to remove the keylogger. Download the installer, and use it to remove the keylogger. Clean keylogger residue with a reputable antimalware scanner.
Step 3. Run Windows Defender Offline
After the antivirus is updated, run a rootkit detection tool (a program that runs in the background and is difficult to detect), such as Windows Defender Offline. To run it, you must make settings on a computer or create offline media (offline).
Step 4. Look for a specific solution to address a specific keylogger based on its name
Some keyloggers (eg Refog) actively prevent deletion. Visit internet forums such as BleepingComputer to find out how to remove certain programs without damaging your computer.
Step 5. Try reinstalling the operating system on the computer
- Many keyloggers infiltrate deep into the operating system and if removed will damage the computer and make it unstable. If this is the case, reinstalling the operating system is the easier and less hassle option.
- Sometimes keylogger programs are difficult to remove using only antimalware. Reinstalling the operating system can definitely remove the keylogger without much effort.
- The operating system should be reinstalled if you detect a keylogger on your computer that is used to carry out banking transactions or confidential trade agreements. This is because the keylogger may not have been completely erased from the computer.
Tips
- If you do banking using a computer, the password can be hacked by someone else. Change the password immediately using a secure computer. Contact the bank if there are suspicious transactions made through your account.
- Some good free programs include Avast and Comodo.
