Keylogger

In short: A keylogger records keystrokes to read passwords and other data.

In more detail: There are software keyloggers (program or driver) and hardware keyloggers (adapter at the keyboard or in the cable). Some report the data to the attacker over the internet.

In Depth

Countermeasures

• Password managers with autofill reduce typing credentials.
• MFA: a captured password alone is then not enough.
• A virtual keyboard only helps to a limited extent because screenshots are possible.
• Do not use foreign computers for sensitive logins.

Legal use

Parental or company software for logging is permitted in Germany only with clear information and a legal basis (data protection, employee data protection).

See also: Trojans, Infostealer Trojan, MFA