Passwords are always a clear target for hackers. They can use different methods to steal them and be able to take control of social networks, email accounts, etc. In this article we are talking about a threat that you may have on your computer without knowing it and that aims to steal your keys. We are going to explain how it works, how you can get infected and what to do to avoid it.
Keylogger, the hidden threat that steals passwords
Is about keyloggers, a threat that hides inside the system and starts stealing passwords. Its mission is to collect everything we type on the keyboard. This logically also includes the keys to log in to platforms of all kinds. It can affect both computers and mobiles.
The problem is that this type of threat is very silent. You can have a keylogger on your computer and not have any suspicions. It will not make the system start to slow down, nor will you notice anything in the short term. It’s just there recording everything you type and sending the information to a server controlled by the attackers.
But a keylogger It not only steals the password to enter your email, Netflix or Facebook; it is also capable of registering bank card information, for example. It can collect all kinds of data over time and launch very sophisticated scams, such as phishing.
We can say that we are before a type of spyware. Some may be designed to act only when we open a specific program, such as the browser. In this way, it acts when the attacker is really interested, which is when we are more likely to put passwords.
How do you get infected and what to do to avoid it?
But how can you get infected? It is not much different from other security threats. A keylogger can reach your device simply by downloading a program that is actually malicious or by clicking on a link that leads to a download file created to sneak the keylogger into your device. malware.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to take into account some recommendations. The most important are the ones that we will mention below. This will help you not only to prevent the entry of keyloggers, but also many other threats that can compromise your security and privacy:
- Install only official apps
- Always keep the equipment correctly updated
- It has a good antivirus
And if it is too late and you suspect or know that you already have a keylogger inside the system? In that case it is best perform a full scan with the antivirus. For example you can use Windows Defender or Avast. The idea is that it scans your entire computer for malware and removes it so you can’t act.
Once you do this, the next thing you should do is change all your passwords. You could have been sending keys to an attacker, so you should change all the ones you have used on that computer and do it as soon as possible. This will prevent them from entering your accounts without you knowing.
But in addition to that, you should review how you could have been infected. Have you downloaded any programs recently? Have you downloaded a file that has come to you by mail? It is important that you know how you have been infected to take action and prevent it from happening again.
In short, as you can see, keyloggers are a serious security threat. You can have malware of this type on your computer or mobile and it will be stealing passwords without you realizing it. We advise you to take preventive measures and act as soon as possible if you think you have been infected. Avoiding keyloggers on Windows or any system is essential.