Keep Your Information Safe from Keystroke Logging

Today, the threat of identity theft looms larger than ever. Each year, thousands of people wake up to find that their identity has been compromised. Despite our best efforts, thieves are finding more and more technically advanced methods for applying their trade. One of the most underreported forms of identity theft in the last several years involves keystroke logging on computers. Keystroke logging, or simply keylogging, typically works by capturing the keys you type on your computer’s keyboard and storing the data. This is usually done without your knowledge and the information it provides can leave your identity vulnerable. As anyone who’s ever experienced it would know, keystroke logging is one of the easiest ways for an identity thief to get access to your sensitive information, such as online screen names and passwords. Here’s a look at some simple ways you can keep your information safe from identity thieves and keystroke logging.

• Your first step to protecting your computer from key logging programs and other potentially harmful applications is to install antivirus and antispyware software. These programs will hunt down viruses and key logging programs for you, and then give you the opportunity to remove them completely. Make sure you take advantage of the options that most antivirus and antispyware programs offer, such as automatically scheduled maintenance operations. If you’re not sure which programs to purchase, check online for reviews from the experts and consumers like yourself.

• If you’re concerned that someone may be trying to steal your information through keystroke logging technology, you should immediately check your computer for any conspicuous hardware. A physical keystroke logging device could be connected directly into your computer tower or located somewhere near your keyboard. These devices are often fairly small, but generally stand out to the naked eye. If you find anything that looks suspicious or wasn’t installed by you, remove it right away.

• Do you have a program or web browser that can auto-complete or auto-fill online forms? These automatic form filler programs will take your information and apply it to forms without the need to type it out. For instance, they can automatically input your screen name and password with the click of a mouse. Obviously these can be beneficial for those looking to avoid keystroke loggers, as they won’t have to constantly type their personal information into their web browser.

• Finally, if an identity thief has installed keystroke logging software on to your computer, there may be one last way to prevent them from getting the information it provides. In order to access keystroke logs, the hacker will likely need to remotely connect to your computer from the internet. You can prevent this or any other unauthorized internet access on your computer by installing a personal firewall. With a firewall, any program or utility trying to access the internet will need explicit permission from you first, so you can decide what’s legitimate and what could be suspicious.