Protect Yourself Against Keyloggers

Keyloggers are one of the most common and deadly cybersecurity threats that are often difficult to detect. Unlike other types of malware, such as viruses, which can crash a computer or destroy its hard drive, a keylogger typically steals personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.

Keyloggers, malicious programs that record keystrokes to capture sensitive information, pose significant cybersecurity risks. Below are data-backed examples illustrating their impacts:

In 2023, the financial sector experienced an average data breach cost of $5.90 million, with keyloggers contributing to these breaches by capturing sensitive financial information.

Between November 2022 and October 2023, financial institutions worldwide reported 1,115 incidents of confirmed data disclosure, a 133% increase from the previous year, with keyloggers playing a significant role in these operational disruptions.

In 2023, a UK-based financial institution suffered a data breach due to a keylogger attack, leading to significant reputational harm as customers lost trust in the organization's ability to protect their sensitive information.

These examples underscore the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against keylogger threats.

A keylogger has several functionalities;

Capture the contents of texts and emails.

Send stored logs to a remote place in the form of HTML.

Keep records of all installed applications on a user’s device.

Keep screenshots of web visits.

Keep a record of all passwords entered by a user and instant texting.

There are many ways to protect against keyloggers, however, these steps improve your chances.

1- Use up-to-date anti-virus software

Antivirus software safeguards computer systems against viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious software. To protect yourself from malware, keep your antivirus software up to date to identify and prevent infection from new viruses. It is critical that the software can detect non-virus threats such as spyware, keystroke loggers, and other malicious software.

2- Use an Internet firewall

A firewall is a software or hardware that acts as a barrier between your computer and potentially hazardous Internet material. It is an excellent defense against keyloggers since it closely monitors computer activities. When the firewall detects software attempting to transmit data, it will either ask for permission or display a warning. While connected to the Internet, this barrier can prevent unwanted parties from obtaining access to your computer or installing viruses on it.

3- Update your computer system

Security updates and patches for browsers and operating systems are critical for detecting vulnerabilities and protecting your computer from viruses, worms, and other threats.

4- Avoid Installing programs and downloading email attachments

Installing apps and accessing email attachments from unknown or untrustworthy sources should be avoided. Malicious extensions can be accidentally downloaded from emails. If you are unsure about an attachment, do not open it and, if in doubt, discard it.

5- Install a password manager

One limitation of keyloggers is that they cannot record what is not typed. As a result, auto-filling forms become useful. Keyloggers cannot obtain a password that is filled in automatically by your PC without any keystrokes. Using a password manager to manage your passwords will protect your data from keyloggers.

6- Train your employees

The most straightforward strategy to battle keyloggers and other forms of malware that endanger any institution is to educate your personnel about cyber attacks and information-stealing methods such as cyber spying. When it comes to cyber security, even large firms are vulnerable to phishing, ransomware, data breaches, and malware assaults, which not only cost millions of dollars but also harm their reputations.

Keepnet Labs’ Security Awareness Training program includes high-quality web-based interactive video training, simulated phishing attacks, live demonstration videos, and short exams. The awareness training program is designed to teach employees about the mechanisms of phishing, spear phishing, spam, malware, and social engineering attacks, as well as to ensure changes in their daily behavior in the face of cyber threats.

There is also a gamification option that helps employees feel more satisfied and accomplished. This feature allows learners to view and share awards in their learner dashboard with associates. Gamification and incentives have been shown to increase engagement and retention. The most engaging games quickly show the consequences of their actions, which means that gamification can incorporate a feedback cycle, and employees can learn from their mistakes as the feedback guides them to make better decisions the next time. Gamification transforms fear into fun, inspiring, motivating, and reactivating.

Organizations can better prepare for social engineering attacks with the use of Keepnet’s security awareness training and simulated phishing testing.

Today’s organizations are struggling to recruit, hire, and retain talented workers, which is making the situation more challenging and posing an increasing risk to their operations globally. Keepnet offers solutions like employee education and training to enhance security so that these organizations may meet the security standards demanded by the government and other affiliates.

Security awareness is essential to recognize and counter potential security threats at these organizations and to be proactive against prospective security threats in and around high-risk zones.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on November 19, 2024.