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Keyloggers are programs designed to discreetly monitor user
activity on a computer by way of recording typed data, taking
intermittent screenshot images, recording internet activity
and archiving other system activity.
In
terms of investigation, keyloggers are mainly used to "spy"
on the actions of someone in your household who's using your
computer. For example, to monitor a child's activity or to
pursue suspicions about a partner's loyalty.
Some
workplaces and offices also use similar monitoring programs
in an effort to police employee productivity, as well as for
liability and security reasons in some cases. Employees are
generally always informed of any such monitoring.
There's
controversy in regards to the legal limitations of keylogger
programs and their usage, especially in regards to individuals
discreetly monitoring other individuals without their knowledge.
In
most cases, if you own the computer, you can install and use
a keylogger program on your own system. In fact, sometimes
these programs are used as a way of safe-guarding data and
work in the event that a document/file becomes corrupted,
is accidentally deleted or is not saved prior to a system
crash; sort of like an "auto-save" tool.
However,
there are strict rules about how and where keyloggers can
be installed and used.
Obviously,
it's an invasion of privacy to install such a program on somebody
else's computer and then retrieve the data without their knowledge.
And depending on the circumstances and the laws in your region,
there may be limitations on what you can legally do with a
keylogger on your own system if that computer is a "household"
computer. Be sure to do your legal due diligence before
you install or use a keylogger for the purpose of monitoring
another person...
Though
there are several keylogger products on the market, here are
the most popular key loggers at the moment:
•
Spytech
SpyAgent (Stealth Edition 6.30.08)
•
Relytech
All In One KeyLogger 3.1
•
REFOG
Keylogger
•
Stealth
KeyLogger
•
WideStep
Elite Keylogger 4.1
•
Perfect
Keylogger
In
addition, there are also some physical keyloggers that are
installed on the back panel of a computer, coupled between
either the PS/2 or USB port(s) and the keyboard connector.
The most popular of these is KeyGhost.
Keep
in mind that some anti-virus programs like Norton and McAfee
may "flag" keylogger programs as potential threats
and either disable them or alert the user about their presence.
Once
again, we need to make it clear that it's your responsibility
to ensure that your usage of any sort of monitoring product
is done within legal means, and only on a computer that you
own/administrate. SnoopStation.com does not endorse or condone
any sort of illegal activity with keyloggers products or keystroke
recording software.
