How to Detect a Key Recorder

Key recorders, also called keyloggers, are software programs that let hackers record your every keystroke and steal important details such as your passwords and user name. These programs are designed to run undetected on your computer so they can often stay there for months or even years without you knowing. The newer keyloggers can even take screenshots, record what applications you are using, save chat conversations and decrypt passwords. If you think that you have a keylogger, you have a couple of ways to detect it.

• 1

  Inspect the connection between your keyboard and the port where it plugs into your computer. If your keyboard connects to a USB port, look for a small device that's usually the size of a small flash drive. For PS2 port users, the keyloggers are usually a small cylindrical object. If you find a device, detach it at once. This stops it from recording information.

• 2

  Purchase anti-keylogger software. Although regular anti-virus software can work against keyloggers, it is better to purchase programs specifically designed to block the algorithms that keyloggers use. A few that you can use are Anti-Keylogger, Anti Keylogger Shield and Spy Shelter (see Resources).

• 3

  Download the anti-keylogger software from the link that you receive when you purchase your program. Click on the file to install the program, agree to the "Terms and Conditions" and click "Next." Wait for the application to install and click "OK," once it is finished.

• 4

  Click "Start" and select "All programs." Click on the anti-keylogger you installed to run the program. If you have a desktop icon for the program, you can click on that to run the program. Because anti-keylogger software works by blocking the specific algorithms that all keylogger programs use, you anti-keylogger program will begin working immediately. This means that the hacker will no longer be able to download any data from your machine.

• 5

  Run a scan with your anti-keylogger software of your hard drive or any other drive you select. Wait for the program to search for your keylogger. This will take 10 to 15 minutes. Once the program finds a keylogger, follow prompts to delete the keylogger.