Keylogger

Often referred to as keystroke logger or system monitor, this malicious software has the ability to monitor and thieve each stroke a user types onto the keyboard of a computer. It also comes in the form of hardware. In this instance, the keylogger serves as a remote connector to a user’s keyboard. The device is small and very easy to keep out of plain sight. When a user types in data, the device collects every stroke and stores it as text in its hard drive. Keylogger software requires no physical contact with a computer. It can be strategically downloaded with the intent to monitor activity or installed as spyware to collect information. A keylogger can also be executed by an RAT virus. The keylogger essentially contains two files that allow it to be installed into a single library: a DLL file (dynamic link library) and an .EXE (executable) file. The DLL file records the keystrokes while the .EXE file installs the dynamic link library and triggers it to function. It can then take the stolen data and upload the information over the web to the individual who scripted the infection.