A keylogger is a program that logs every keystroke that is made on a computer. The keylogger relays this information to the infiltrator who installed the keylogger. This means if your computer is infected with a keylogger program, every piece of information you type is transmitted, including social security numbers, credit card and banking numbers, and any other personal information you enter online.
How do I know if I have a keylogger on my computer?
Detecting a keylogger is not easy. Keylogger software that has been installed is generally invisible and runs silently in the background of your computer. A keylogger program can be installed in any of your files on your computer. Keyloggers are so stealthy, that most anti-virus programs will not pick them up and show them. You will need to go to your task manager.
Once you have located and opened your task manager, you will need to look at the processes that are currently running on your computer. It is best if you print this screen. Using a pen or highlighter, you will have to be a detective. Utilizing the Internet, search each process that is running, You should find a description of each process running and whether it is a valid, safe process. It is time consuming, but it is the best way to find a keylogger. You must ensure that you research each process carefully. Simply deleting processes that you find can result in the removal of system programs that are essential to running your computer.
If you feel this method is above your computer skill level, then take your computer to a repair shop and have someone who has been trained in the removal of harmful viruses run a full system scan and perform any removal techniques that may be needed. However, if you feel you know your way around your computer, then there is no reason you cannot do this work yourself.
I’ve found a keylogger program, now how do I remove it safely?
If you have found a keylogger program you can safely and effectively remove it by clicking end process in the task manager. This will stop the keylogger from running and you can remove it. Again, please ensure you know it is a keylogger that you are removing and not a vital part of your operating software. If you only stop the process and do not delete it, the keylogger will resume when you reboot your computer. Search online for a software removal tool, such as System Optimizer Pro, and follow the instructions for removal. After removal, install a quality anti-virus and a quality anti-spyware program, such as System Optimizer Pro on your computer and run it upon your next reboot.
After detection and removal of the keylogger program it is essential that you install anti-spyware and anti-virus programs, and that you update them on a regular basis. Everyday there are new viruses, trojans, and spyware programs released. Being diligent will save you time, money, and possibly your identity.
Leave a Reply