Imagine everything you type — passwords, messages, credit card info —
being secretly recorded and sent to a hacker.
That’s what a keylogger does.
Let’s look at what keyloggers are, how they work, and how to detect and remove them.
✅ 1. What is a keylogger?
A keylogger is a type of spyware that records your keystrokes.
It logs:
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Everything you type
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Which websites you visit
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Sometimes even screenshots and clipboard data
Keyloggers are often used to:
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Steal passwords
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Capture private messages
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Monitor employee activity (in unethical cases)
✅ 2. How do keyloggers get installed?
They often hide in:
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Cracked or pirated software
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Phishing email attachments
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Infected USB drives
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Fake browser extensions
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Trojans or remote access tools (RATs)
✅ Many work silently in the background, so you won’t notice them.
✅ 3. Signs you may have a keylogger
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Random lag when typing
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Unknown processes in Task Manager
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Higher-than-normal CPU when idle
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Antivirus or firewall disabled
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Login credentials being stolen or reused
But be warned: many keyloggers hide deeply — you might not see any signs at all.
✅ 4. How to check for keyloggers
Step 1: Run a deep malware scan
Use tools like:
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Malwarebytes
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SpyHunter
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Kaspersky Security Scan
Step 2: Use a rootkit scanner
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Try GMER or TDSSKiller
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These tools detect low-level system modifications
Step 3: Audit startup entries and installed programs
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Use
msconfigor Autoruns (Windows) -
Look for unknown or suspicious items set to run at boot
✅ 5. How to protect against keyloggers
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Never install cracked software
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Don’t open unknown email attachments
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Use a password manager (not typing = nothing to log)
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Keep your system and antivirus up to date
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Use 2FA — even if they get your password, they can’t log in
Key points to remember
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Keyloggers record everything you type — often silently
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They come from infected software, emails, or browser add-ons
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Detection requires deep scans and rootkit tools
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Prevention is easier than removal: download smart, scan often
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If you suspect infection, act quickly and change all passwords