Free Keylogger Download

Evading Keyloggers with a Virtual Keyboard

2009-05-29T02:47:00.000-07:00

Are you comfortable using your computer to do your banking and other sensitive business? You shouldn't be. If your personal information should fall into the wrong hands then your bank account could become their bank account and I don't think they would be making deposits when they access it. Have you ever walked away from a public computer after using it and had some second thoughts regarding your personal security and some business you are conducting? You probably have. If you haven't then you are a prime candidate to be victimized by identity or personal information thieves on the Internet.

The problem lies in your keyboard. There is spyware out there that allows people to see every keystroke you make as you use your computer. Right now, as you are reading this, people are having thier personal information hijacked by people using this spyware.

You may think that you're safe because this sort of thing only happens to other people. Right? Maybe not! You may think that this is something for only the rich to worry about. But you must remember that to criminals in far off countries, you are rich.

Your personal information is itself valuable on the black market. Imagine having all your personal information being bartered around some city, half way around the globe.

So what can you do but keep your fingers crossed, Right? Wrong! At vstroke you can use your computer without using your keyboard. It's a totally secure website that allows you to use a virtual keyboard on your computer screen, without actually having to type anything in through the keyboard. Everything is done through the mouse, so it's completely secure. When you log on and use the virtual keyboard, anyone who wants to see what you are typing is left completely in the dark. It's as simple as that. So you can go on taking your chances and keep your fingers crossed or you can use vstroke for free. Remember that on the net, you are responsible for your own security.

Written by Christopher Jones. Protect your web privacy and personal data now with Vstroke. This virtual keyboard is free and easy to use, so why wait?

An Awesome E-mail Keystroke Time Saver: SHIFT_Delete

2009-04-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

The great thing about leading programs on time management and personal organization all around the country is that I get to occasionally learn a few really good tips from the people that attend my programs. This is one of the best e-mail keystroke strategies that I have learned in some time. Accordingly, I have to give a big “thanks” to one of my recent course attendees, Nancy from Boston, for this wonderful e-mail suggestion. It is a very simple keystroke command that helps MS Outlook and other popular e-mail program users deal efficiently and ruthlessly with SPAM and junk e-mail in their inboxes.

The tip is a simple tip to use whenever you receive a “junk” or “spam” e-mail in your inbox, especially for those messages that you are suspicious may harbor illicit content, malicious spyware, or possible viruses. Most of us have learned the “Double Delete” strategy (delete suspect messages from your e-mail inbox, then delete again the same items again from your deleted items box also, so the message is knocked completely out of your system and thus cannot infect or harm your system). This tip helps you “shortcut” that process:

Rather than hitting the delete key to delete the message, and then going into your deleted items folder to delete the message again, instead just hit the “Shift” and “Delete” keys simultaneously. This will completely eliminate the message from your e-mail account in one step. (If you are an MS Outlook user, when you do this, Outlook will ask you if you are sure you want to fully delete – just click “Yes” or hit "Enter", and that message is GONE.)

If you are a user of other popular e-mail management tool, such as Lotus Notes or GroupWise, this technique should work for your e-mail system too, but it does not for all of you Mac users, nor does it work of browser-based e-mail programs like Yahoo! or HotMail (sorry!).

Now, you have no more need to “Double Delete” – just blast those junk and SPAM e-mails right out of your box once and for all!

Randy Dean (http://www.randalldean.com) is the "Totally Obsessed" Time Management/PDA Guy and E-mail Sanity Expert. A very popular speaker and trainer, Randy has led programs all around the United States on better time management and e-mail sanity. The author of the book, Major Satisfactors = Major Success, and developer of the popular speaking/training program, "Taming the E-mail Beast: Managing the Mess of E-mail and Information Overload", Randy is working on a new book and related DVD program on how to better manage your productivity and sanity related to e-mail and info overload. Randy also has popular speaking programs for conferences and association meetings, including his "Finding an Extra Hour Every Day" program, "The PDA Power Program", and "(RE)Awakening the Passion and Energy in Your Work and Life", as well as highly rated training programs, including his highlight full-day "Time Management for Busy Managers, Leaders, and Professionals" course. You can learn much more about Randy and his upcoming courses and programs at http://www.randalldean.com.

The Best Keylogging Software-Which Program To Buy

2009-04-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

Whether you want it or not, but one day you realize that the problems you have with your computer can only be solved by watching who uses the computer and for what. You can face this problem at home (what do your children do with the computer when you are away?) or at the office (do your employees devote all their time to work?). Of course, you have neither time nor desire to hide and find it all out. Is there a way out? Yes, the only way out is to install a program that thoroughly everything that is done with the computer. This spy program can not only keep track of users’ actions, but also carefully hide itself from inquisitive eyes so that it can be seen neither in the list of running services nor among running programs. Antivirus programs do not detect it as well.

What does the program monitor and how? It logs all keystrokes and the case of each typed character. It also saves screenshots not for each window, but at certain intervals. The program logs when programs are started and closed and monitors the clipboard. Very often one look at a screenshot gives more information than looking through logged keystrokes.

With this program you can find out if your significant other is cheating/flirting in email or chat rooms. You can find out what websites your children are visiting. You can learn what others are writing in their email's and which programs are being used. You can view instant messenger conversations and know when the computer is in use. You will also be able to recieve emails with information in real time as it happens.

To get the latest and most powerful stealth computer monitoring spy software available, please visit Supreme Spy Online .

Put a stop to worrying about who is doing what on the computer. Got doubts of what the spouse is doing? Wonder what the kids are up to? Wondering what your employees are doing while you aren't around? Put a stop to all of the worries and get Supreme Spy. You can get a free trial version at Supreme Spy Online

Make Sure you Grab the Right Key Logger Download

2009-04-02T05:19:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why someone would want to have a key logger download on their computer. Perhaps they own a business where the employees have free use of the Internet. You would need to have some kind of key logger on your system in order to keep track of things. You might also want to have one on your home computer, especially if you have underage children that get on your computer online and you want to make sure that they stay out of trouble. But how do you know which is the best key logger download out there, and what options are available.

In the younger days of the personal computer there were not many options for key logger downloads. They basically all did one thing, they logged key strokes. Sure, you could pick up on things such as what they were typing but it did very little to pick up on chat conversations and incoming emails, everything was one sided. Today's more sophisticated key logger download is much more. They do things like taking screen captures, logging chat sessions and emails as well as keeping a strict record of all internet activity that can not be erased. These are the things you should look for in one of the modern day key loggers. My favorite feature that is available on top end systems? The ability to email me the logs and screen shots at intervals that I choose, that way I can keep track of all computer activity, even when I am not at home.

Keep your eye on your computer by recording all computer activity online, both secretly and privately. Visit us for more information at http://www.spy-safe.info/

Know what they are doing online with this Internet Spy Software

Top Key Logger Software Download for Computer Tracking

2009-03-26T01:20:00.000-07:00

If you are concerned about your computer and what happens on it when you aren't around then there is a simple solution. There are programs out there that you can install on your computer in order to keep track of all activity, from typing to internet history. The problem is that if you are looking for a key logger software download you could end up with a little more than you bargained for. Some of the programs that you can download in order to keep track of computer activity will actually be watching you and sending the information off to someone that you don't know. Because you are installing the program in order to record key strokes, it is easy for them to piggyback a malicious program along with it. So when you are looking for a good key logger software download what should you be looking for?

There are some reputable companies out there that make some great software. They have been around for a long time and have a reputation for being a great piece of software. You could also make sure that the program is one of the more sophisticated ones. A key logger software program that offers many different options such as remote tracking and tracking of things like internet history and screenshots are usually the sign of a great program. Most people that write malicious programs and hide them behind legitimate looking programs do not go to the trouble of writing great software. So keep yourself safe, and keep your family safe from trouble by installing a legitimate key stroke software program.

Protect your child from the dangers of the Internet by recording all of their activity online, both secretly and privately. Visit us for more information at http://www.spy-safe.info/

Know what they are doing online with this Internet Spy Software Download

Use the Best Key Logger For Spying

2009-03-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to keep your eye on your computer when you are not around. It might be that you are worried that your children are going to get themselves into trouble when they are online. There are too many times when children are taken advantage of by people online, and it never hurts to make sure that they are not getting themselves into trouble. Still another reason that some people would be keeping an eye on their computer activity is if they suspect that someone is being unfaithful and they want to check up on them. Yet another reason why you might want to keep your eye on internet activity is if you employ a lot of people and want to make sure that they are not taking advantage of surfing the internet on company time. So how can you be sure that your computer is not being used inappropriately? By installing the best key logger program that you can find. Here is what you should look for.

There are a lot of options when you are looking for a keystroke logger. At first the best key logger that you could find did just the basic job of recording key strokes. Now the programs have gotten much more sophisticated. They not only log key strokes but they do screen shots and record internet history. They do this all while they are running secretly in the background and you can monitor the activity remotely. There are even some key loggers out there that will email you the logs on a regular basis. This will help you to be able to keep your eye on computer activity even when you are not at home.

So don't just settle for a common key logger, choose the best key logger for spying and keeping your eye on your computer even when you are not there personally. This will help you and those that use your computer safe, and you'll never have to wonder what is going on again.

Keep your eye on your computer by recording all computer activity online, both secretly and privately. Visit us for more information at http://www.spy-safe.info/

Know what they are doing online with this Internet Spy Software Download

Which Remote Key Logger Should You Choose?

2009-03-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

Right off the top of my head I can think of at least 3 good reasons why you would want to install a remote key logger on your computer. The top reason would be that you are a parent and are worried that your child's inexperience will get them into trouble online. Let's face it, there are a lot of people out there that would love to prey on innocent children and the Internet has opened a whole new way for them to do it. Another reason is that you are concerned about some possible infidelity on the part of your significant other. Installing a key logger would help you to confirm or deny this. A third reason why you might want a remote key logger is if you are trying to keep track of what your employees are doing while they are on your computer. But with so many choices and options, how do you know that you are choosing the best remote key logger for your needs?

There are almost limitless options on what you can do with a key logger. It used to be that they would only record key strokes, but now they also have remote key loggers that do screen shots, record chat sessions on multiple platforms and will even let you know what their email says. Now there are some legal considerations if you are doing some of these things because of privacy issues, but on many of these programs you can turn certain features on and off at will. Of course the most important feature of a remote key logger is that it will alert you to the activity on your computer even when you are not there. Many of the key loggers will email you the logs so you can keep track of them even when you are not home.

Keep your eye on your computer by recording all computer activity online, both secretly and privately. Visit us for more information at http://www.spy-safe.info/

Know what they are doing online with this Internet Spy Software Download

Track Computer Use with a Key Stroke Logger

2009-03-10T04:50:00.000-07:00

Are you concerned about what goes on with your computer when you aren't around. This is a common concern for those that have children that are old enough to get on the Internet but perhaps are not old enough to understand when someone is trying to harm them. Another reason why you may want to know what is happening on your computer when you are not around is that you might have a partner and you are concerned about some possible infidelity. But regardless of why you want to know where your computer has been when you aren't around you are going to need a key stroke logger. Internet history can be erased and so can recently opened documents, but if you have a key stroke logger running in the background you will know everything that goes on and nobody will be none the wiser.

Of course the term key stroke logger is a rather loose term, and while there are some basic key stroke loggers out there, most of them have evolved into a much more sophisticated program. They do still do the basic job of logging keystrokes, but now they do such things as keeping track of chat sessions, taking screen shots and tracking email. The best part is that they run in the background secretly and they email the logs to any email address that you specify on whatever schedule you want. That way you are able to track the computers activity even when you are away, just grab an email address from any of the free email services and you are all set.

Protect your child from the dangers of the Internet by recording all of their activity online, both secretly and privately. Visit us for more information at http://www.spy-safe.info/

Know what they are doing online with this Internet Spy Software Download

Key Logger Software for Your Computer

2009-03-02T04:16:00.000-08:00

One thing that many of us are concerned about is the safety of our children and what happens when they are on the computer alone. That is why many people are turning to key logger software in order to keep track of what is going on with their computer when they are not around. Key logger software is nothing new, and many people have used this type of program for malicious purposes, but it also has its place when it comes to keeping your child safe.

Did you realize that before a child is abducted by someone that they met on the internet some time has usually passed. It's only logical that this would be the case because it would take some time for the bad person to gain their trust. I'm not promoting spying on anyone, but sometimes it's necessary to check up on things in order to make sure that there isn't something going on that could harm them. You have more experience than they do and it would be easier for you to identify problems that could possibly cause your child to be hurt or worse.

Having key logger software on your computer is a great way to keep your family safe by recording what is typed and seeing if it contains anything that might raise a flag as to suspicious activity. Of course the newer key logger software does much more than just record key strokes, they also do things like screenshots, recording chat sessions and internet activity. You can then have this information emailed to you privately so that you can make sure that your children are safe.

Protect your child from the dangers of the Internet by recording all of their activity online, both secretly and privately. Visit us for more information at http://www.spy-safe.info/

Know what they are doing online with this Internet Spy Software Download

Home Key Logger - Track Computer Activity

2009-02-17T04:50:00.000-08:00

What goes through your mind when you think about a home key logger? Do you think about a rogue program that is installed on your computer and steals your passwords and credit card numbers? This is one explanation of home key logger software, and one that many people consider to be the only explanation, but for those of us that want to monitor computer use and make sure that our family is both safe from dangers on the Internet and to make sure that there isn't any strange behavior going on that we should be aware of, a home key logger is a program that actually becomes our best friend.

It used to be, a few years ago, that a home key logger was just that. It was a program that sat on your computer and logged any keystrokes that happened to be typed on your keyboard. Since that time the home key logger has evolved into such a sophisticated program that it does much more than just basically logging keystrokes.

The new spy software not only runs in the background on your computer (totally undetectable) but it keeps track of much more than keystrokes. It records internet history, individual chat sessions and emails, and can even give you passwords so you can make sure that your children are not getting into trouble while they are online. The best part of this software is that it can email the logs to you so you can monitor your computer activity even while you are away from home.

Protect your child from the dangers of the Internet by recording all of their activity online, both secretly and privately. Visit us for more information at http://www.spy-safe.info/

Know what they are doing online with this Internet Spy Software Download

Understanding The Basics Of A Data Logger

2009-02-14T00:53:00.000-08:00

When the meteorologist reads the local forecast, it is because of his/her accurate assessment of the data logging factors. In addition, water levels, depths and flow can be measured this way. If you have ever read the newspaper and see a listing for how many people traveled on a certain highway over the weekend, perhaps you wonder how that assessment was made. Did someone stand outside and count each individual car or truck that passed by? Well, no, but a computer did. Road traffic counting is another example of data logging.

A data logger is defined as an electronic computerized device that records data over a predetermined amount of time. Depending on the job, some data loggers are small while larger machines are used for more extensive research. These units acquire data according to the programming and store it into memory or a storage unit. This memory can be set to accommodate days, weeks or even months without ever having human intervention. Modern data loggers use a battery to promote storage in the units memory Older models use paper or disks, but technology has all but rendered these earlier models extinct.

Data loggers are so accurate that, in addition to recording detailed information, they often provide a time and date indicator to ensure that all of the recorded data can be broken down and associated with a specific date and time for informational research purposes. This is possible because of their built in clocks, which easily provide an accurate reading.

From the simplest of device to a complex unit, data loggers offer a wide range of flexibility for nearly any data retrieval job. The more simple devices are, as expected, easier to program. The more complex the unit, the more work that is involved. Some of the most modern data loggers offer website capabilities, which allow individuals to surf onto a website and monitor the tracking system. This works well for users who enjoy real time information, including weather data, web cams, etc.

During harsh weather conditions, troublesome water levels or other concerns, a data logger can be linked to devices, including modems, cell phones or satellites. This capability can keep individuals updated on the status of weather conditions, but also alert them if immediate attention is required. If you ever notice a weather warning interrupt a radio station or television broadcast, that information is coming from a data logger that is responsible for monitoring weather conditions. The information is then relayed to the meteorologist, who gets the information out to the public.

As individuals, it is difficult to realize the complex nature of data loggers and their responsibilities. But, without them, we would certainly become aware of their absence. Without a way to measure such important data factors, without an efficient way to report them and research certain data, we would be forever uninformed.

Peter Bishop manages the Info portal at http://www.dataloggerpluscom and writes about data entry, data recovery and data loggers.

Custom-Made Keyloggers As an Instrument of Cybercrime - Too Easy to Make and Use

2009-02-11T01:53:00.000-08:00

In only a couple of years we computer users have learned a lot about online threats. There is no need to explain what "spyware" means -- we all know it. Or do we?

If software collects information without users' knowledge and transmits it, such a program is usually automatically labeled "spyware" no matter how valuable this information is. It can be either relatively innocuous code for gathering users' browsing habits -- or extremely dangerous software created specially for unsolicited monitoring and committing cybercrime like identity theft, or espionage.

In the classification from SpyAudit they the latter are called System Monitors. Here belong such programs as keyloggers and more advanced keylogger-based programs, which can intercept not only keystrokes, but also capture text from application windows and clipboard contents, make screenshots – in other words, everything you do. This is particular kind of software specially created for stealing valuable information.

"There has been a recent wave of system monitoring tools disguised as email attachments or free software products.", experts warn. (see http://www.earthlink.net/spyaudit/press/) Keyloggers can be hidden in viruses or even slip into a PC while a user visits some website.

We users have become smarter and try to protect our data. Loads of programs are created to counteract spy software. Why data stealing is flourishing then? Unfortunately, the "means of defense" are, as it often happens, half a step behind "means of offense".

Generally speaking, most anti-spyware works like that: it scans the operating system in search for suspicious bits of code. Should the program find any, it compares these suspicious pieces with bits of code (they are called signatures), which belong to already detected and "caught" spy programs. Signatures are kept in so-called signature base -- the inseparable part of any anti-spy program. The more signatures it contains, the more spyware such program will detect, so your PC will be protected more effectively. As long as you update your anti-spy software regularly and the system doesn't come across some unknown spyware product, everything is going to be all right.

The problem is that some keyloggers are written to be used only once. These "tailor-made", or should we say, "custom-made", keyloggers are extremely dangerous, because they will never be detected with existing anti-spy software which uses signature bases.

Keylogging software is relatively simple and not too difficult to compile. Even an average computer programmer can write a simple keylogger in a couple of days. More sophisticated one will take longer to make, of course, but not too long. Hackers often compile source code of several keyloggers (it's easy to find them in the Web--for those who know where to look for) -- and get a brand-new one with an unknown signature even faster. If a keylogger can be installed remotely without the victim's knowledge, it gives the hacker great possibility to steal any information he pleases.

However, now most anti-virus and anti-spyware vendors proclaim that along with signature bases they apply heuristic algorithms for detecting spyware. It means that their products now can catch more "spies" than their signature bases contain. To verify it experts from Information Security Center Ltd recently carried out a simple test.

The testing simulated a situation when a thief applies a custom-made keylogger compiled from source code freely available (!) from the Internet. The testers did what a thief with a bit of programming skills can easily do: they took source code from the Internet and compiled 9 keyloggers. Then these "test spies" were used for checking whether world-known anti-spyware will detect anything. The results turned out to be shocking: 28 out of 44 anti-virus and anti-spy software products couldn't do anything -- they detected none. 10 products managed only 1 spy out of 9; 5 programs caught only 2 out of 9. The only product that blocked all the 9 spies was a dedicated anti-keylogging solution based solely on heuristic algorithms with no signature base.

To read more about this testing visit http://bezpeka.com/en/lib/antispy/art2869.html

Not to use signature base analysis at all is a relatively new trend in software development. This approach is rather promising; it means that such a dedicated anti-keylogging product --it already exists--can counteract even custom-made spies.

Alexandra Gamanenko currently works at Raytown Corporation, LLC -- an independent software developing company that provides various solutions for information security. The company's R&D department created an innovative technology, which disables the very processes of information capturing -- keylogging, screenshoting, etc.

Learn more -- visit the company's website http://www.anti-keyloggers.com

Do Not Forget Keyloggers When Seeking The Best Spyware Removers

2009-02-06T04:33:00.000-08:00

Quite often when folks are looking for the best spyware remover to install in their computer for privacy ad protection, they always seem to forget to address keyloggers.

While it is a fact that most spyware removers will tend to deal with all forms of spyware adware and keyloggers as well, this is hardly something that one would be advised to assume.

Keyloggers are really the killer punch in spyware and it is what scum peddlers use to deal the killer blow. Keyloggers, as the name suggests will usually carefully note, record and transmit the keyword strokes on your computer. Wshat this does is give professional cyber thives full access to your sensitive password protected accounts. Using this information, hey can then steal much more than your identity. They can in fact gain full access to your accounts and easily steal vast sums of money.

So it makes plenty of sense when looking for the best spyware removers for one to focus on spyware adware and keyloggers as well. But it does not stop there. Other common spyware infections like remote access Trojans (RATs) and browser hijackers. All these greatly contribute towards exposing your confidential information to the world and also greatly diminish and affect the performance of your PC

It is very important for you to realize that new spyware programs are being invented all the time, even as you read this. This is precisely why having a spyware remover with automatic updates is vital. You really do not want your software "guard" to catch up with some new strain when it is a little late and your security and privacy has already been compromised.

Find out much more on spyware dangers you must avoid.

How To Stop Keyloggers Stealing Your Identity

2009-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Would you know a key logger if you saw one? Well since you can't see key loggers I'm sure you don't! OK let me tell you about key loggers. Key loggers are invisible software programs that are used to track your online activity. Most importantly, they are being used more and more to steal your vital financial information either to sell to criminals or to be used in the theft of your identity.

Finding a keylogger on your computer is next to impossible unless you have professional help in the form of an updated spyware removal software system. The real; problem is that if you don't know that a keylogger is tracking everything you do then you won't know when the little darlin' has stolen your bank account passwords or your credit card numbers until a theft of your assets has been attempted. And the discovery may only be made by you after your assets have been raided and depleted.

When a keylogger is busily at work, you won't even see your machine slow down or see anything peculiar happening. But visualize that the potential thief is standing right behind you watching and recording everything that you do on the machine.

I'm not sure where this statistic comes form but it is said that more than one third of all online ID thefts can now be traced to keylogging. Unfortunately, keyloggers are easily found and acquired. They are cheap and available. Worse yet they are perfectly legal in and of themselves.

There are perfectly legitimate reasons for employers to use key logger software to monitor employees use of the computer at work and for parents to monitor their children's web browsing habits. But the corollary is that it is an easy way for a criminal to gain access to your valuable assets and plunder them. And the software itself is perfectly legal.

In view of the foregoing take steps immediately to protect yourself:

* Install a respected anti spyware software that not only scans your computer but prevents unauthorized access

* Install a firewall

* Do not click on pop-ups

* Do not open spam email - when in doubt delete!

* Do not open e-mail attachments unless you can be sure it is coming from a legitimate source for a legitimate purpose

* Make your passwords hard to crack and change them frequently

The keylogger situation is getting worse, not better. Don't wait until your identity has been stolen. Get the protection you need now and stay alert. You have been warned!

John Garvey specializes in the world of computer and internet security. His analyses and recommendations on spyware and other threats to internet security are widely known in the field and appear frequently at the website http://www.spyware-gone.com

Evading Keyloggers with a Virtual Keyboard

2009-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

Your personal information is itself valuable on the black market. Imagine having all your personal information being bartered around some city, half way around the globe.

Written by Christopher Jones. Protect your web privacy and personal data now with Vstroke. This virtual keyboard is free and easy to use, so why wait?

An Awesome E-mail Keystroke Time Saver: SHIFT_Delete

2009-01-27T01:26:00.000-08:00

Now, you have no more need to “Double Delete” – just blast those junk and SPAM e-mails right out of your box once and for all!

The Truth About Keystroke Loggers

2009-01-27T01:01:00.000-08:00

Programs that record data about users' activity in Internet and send them to their developers are called Spyware. Their activity can have different results - from pop-up advertisements to serious violations of OS, including personal data theft, pressed keys record, "back door" installation, etc. Also known as 'drive-by downloads', Spyware-applications use up-to-date methods of intrusion. Many users do not know that most spyware-applications penetrate into their computers when they visits different web-pages, opens archived files, clicks on pop-ups that contain active elements like ActiveX, Java Applet, etc. Spyware-modules can also be bundled with graphic files and sometimes with drivers for new hardware.

Spy Methods
Spyware-applications may function in different ways - it depends on the data they collect. Some of them collect data about user's habits in Internet for marketing purposes, others are more dangerous. Anyway, spyware-applications try to identify data sent over the network by using a unique identifier (cookie for example) which is located on user's PC, or a Global Unique Identifier (GUID). After that spyware sends logs to a remote user or to the server that collects the data. Usually, this data include host's name, IP-address and GUID, as well as logins, passwords, etc.

Types of Keystroke Loggers
Keystroke logger is an application that spies on pressed keyboard buttons and sends this information to the malevolent user. This can be performed by mail or by sending data directly to the server located somewhere in the global network.

Keystroke loggers have been around for a pretty long time. However, the increase of their amount requires new attention nowadays. The reason is easiness of infecting a PC - all a user needs to become infected is to visit a certain web-page.

There are three types of Keystroke Loggers:

- Hardware Keystroke Loggers
These are miniature built-in devices, located between the keyboard and the PC. Due to their tiny size they remain unnoticed for a long time. However, they require physical access to the equipment. These devices can record hundreds of symbols (including mail and bank data) that were typed from the keyboard.
- Application with Intercepting Mechanism
This type uses Windows function called API SetWindowsHookExe that monitors the reports of pressed keyboard buttons. Usually, this spyware-application consists of the exe-file that initiates the function of interception and the dll-file that controls the functions of data recording.
- Kernel/Driver Keystroke Loggers
This type of keystroke loggers locates on the kernel level and receives data directly from the input device (keyboard). It replaces the main software that controls all pressed keys. As the program is launched on the kernel level, it cannot intercept autofill passwords because this information is handed over on the application level.
Detecting and Removing of Keystroke Loggers
With its actions and work spyware-application differs fundamentally from a virus or a worm. That is why many anti-viruses consider it to be a usual program. The thing is that virus signatures differ from spyware signatures.

Firewalls are also helpless against spyware-applications, as spyware are usually bundled with other programs, hidden in the graphical file or perform usual web-traffic on the 80th port.

That is why it is of great importance for a user to make sure that his OS has all the necessary updates. The best way of protection from infection (besides changing the OS on more secure, like Mac OS X) is teaching users not to press everything they come across in the network and install only the most necessary software. Users should be taught to avoid 'free' software and pop-ups. It is also important to make sure that firewall settings are correct and secure, and have at least one program for detecting and removing of spyware. Some examples of such programs are
Microsoft Antispyware, Arovax Antispyware (http://www.arovaxantispyware.com), Ad-Aware.

It should be noted that basically the spyware problem is closely connected with Microsoft Internet Explorer browser. Using more modern and functional browsers like Mozilla Firefox can practically save users from this problem. However, the fact is that some web-sites were developed for being used with Internet Explorer, so browser change may not satisfy all users' needs.

How to Prevent from Pressed Keys Recording
Keystroke loggers, both hardware and software, are developed for intercepting symbols that were typed from a keyboard. Using a virtual keyboard for typing user's name and password is a good way to prevent from interceptions on the web-applications level. Virtual keyboard is a graphical presentation of a usual keyboard. A user types data from it by clicking with his mouse button on the necessary symbols. This solution will not satisfy all users, of course. However, this method can be used when working with important information or certain applications. It also should be noted that using a virtual keyboard does not guarantee full security because some keystroke loggers make pictures of the screen during every pressing a mouse-button. To avoid it, some virtual keyboards are able to enter symbols when a mouse-cursor is directed at them and held on them for some time. Thus, a user can enter information without pressing the mouse-button.

There is another way to avoid interception - program's inquiry to randomly enter password symbols. For example the program can ask a user to enter 1st, 3rd and 5th symbols and then even symbols. However, the order of entering must be different every time, otherwise the original password can be restored by somebody who constantly follows the entered information. The disadvantage of this method is that keystroke loggers record all symbols and a malevolent user can get the password by "playing with" symbol combinations.

How to Counteract Keystroke Loggers
There are two types of applications that counteract keystroke loggers: - Counteraction on the basis of signatures
These applications detect a keystroke logger by the files that it installs and by signatures that it adds to the register. Fighting known keystroke loggers in a good way, they are helpless against those programs that are not included into their database.
- Counteraction on the basis of interception
The process of interception (filtration) of Windows messages uses the function SetWindowsHookEx, the same as keystroke loggers do. This process is used for viewing certain actions but counteracting interception applications forbid control hand over from one function to another. As a result, there is no information in the logs of keystroke loggers. Though this method of counteraction is more effective than the first one we should note that it is not able to fight kernel/driver keystroke loggers.

Conclusions
Because of increased spyware-applications amount in the last time, we can observe rapid growth of websites and malevolent users that benefit from keystroke loggers installation and private data theft.

You have to be aware of the danger and you should be able to define it. The first step in the fight against spyware-applications is using an alternative browser, for example Firefox, Opera, etc. If for some reason this cannot be done, you should take necessary measures in order to maintain preventive diagnostics as well as define and remove keystroke loggers from your PC using latest Antispyware software. It is also wise to use anti-spyware programs that detect and remove spyware applications.

Arovax Company (http://www.arovaxcompany.com), for example, offers a number of effective solutions for solving this issue. Its programs - Arovax Shield (http://www.arovaxshield.com) and Arovax Antispyware (http://www.arovaxantispyware.com) - are developed to help users protect their computers.

Kira Foster is an expert on modern IT technologies and security software. She is also a Project Manager of Arovax Company (http://www.arovaxcompany.com) which is one of the leaders in the field of software development and PC protection. More articles by Kira Foster http://www.arovax.blogspot.com , http://forum.arovaxcompany.com

Photoshop Killer Keystroke Commands

2008-10-30T01:43:00.000-07:00

In this article I will teach you about the importance of keyboard shortcuts for Photoshop. There are only a few keyboard shortcuts that you need to diligently memorize but this effort will pay off huge dividends in streamlining your workflow and enhancing the sheer enjoyment of working with Photoshop!

One question that I hear repeated over and over is why is there not a multiple undo option for Photoshop like other standard computer programs. Well, there is such a feature in Photoshop. It's just that Photoshop's intellectual model is based upon the history palette. In most software programs, you can continuously press Ctrl-Z (Command-Z for Macintosh users) to undo the offending error. Sometimes you're left in the lurch because you can't undo the undo! With Photoshop, this command is called "step backward" on the edit menu. The keystroke command is Alt-Ctrl-Z. If you feel that you've gone too far you can "step forward" which is Shift-Crtl-Z. This is the same principle as the History Palette but it's great to know that when you're immersed in your project and you don't necessarily want to fumble through your menus or palettes to take immediate action!

Here are a few other standard menu shortcuts, which are common to a lot of applications but ones you really should know:

Ctl-N = New file Ctl-O = Open file Ctl-S = Save file Ctl-C, X, V = Copy, Cut, Paste

Here is another killer shortcut, when you are working with the brush tool, how do you usually increase your brush size? Do you usually go up to the brush menu bar and scrub the slider left and right? This step always annoyed me because it completely breaks my concentration not to mention my creativity. Next time you have to use the brush tool, experiment with the [ key (that's the left bracket next to the P key) to decrease the brush tool and the ] key (the right bracket next to the [ key). You can even adjust the softness or hardness of the brush this way. To increase the softness, it's Shift-Ctrl-[. To increase the hardness, it's Shift-Ctrl-].

Here are some other shortcuts that will rocket propel your workflow:

Ctl-Space = Zoom in Ctl-Alt-Space = Zoom out v = move tool t = Text tool

I hope this tutorial has been helpful. Please drop me an email, if you have question or comments.

Thanks again for subscribing to Photoshop-How-To.com!

Kai Yee teaches Best Practice for Photoshop CS, for his company, http://www.Photoshop-How-To.com and he is a teacher and lecturer in universities and institutions of higher learning. Questions or comments can be addressed to kai(at)www.Photoshop-How-To.com

Keystroke Logging

2008-10-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

I Lost My Baby, My Pickup, and My Guitar on the Information Highway

There are a variety of ways to track keystrokes and log instant messaging sessions, but let me offer a word of caution before we go there. If your friend believes that her husband's affections may be wandering, the best tool to address the problem really isn't a computer. Spying on someone you love, with or without the aid of technology, is ugly. Consider that you may learn things that are very painful, or that you may anger the other party when the subterfuge is revealed. A good old-fashioned OFFLINE chat or a counseling session (with or without the spouse) may be the most direct, and most effective way to get to the bottom of it all.

That said, most instant messaging programs either have session logging built in, or you can install a third-party plugin to enable logging. A quick web search will show you where to find those plugins. Also, the Google Toolbar will archive and allow you to search email from Gmail, Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape Mail and Thunderbird; Web pages you have visited; files on your computer, including text, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, image, audio, and video files; and yes... chats from AOL, AOL Instant Messenger, and MSN Messenger.

There are also general purpose loggers that can track every keystroke that is sent or received. I won't provide any links to those, because I've never used them, recommend against them for ethical reasons, and wouldn't trust them on my computer. The problem with all of these logging utilities is that they are detectable, either in the Windows system tray, Task Manager or by anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

So what happens if the suspected infidel finds out that he or she is being spied upon? Chances are it will either shatter whatever trust remains in the relationship, or they'll just find another venue to communicate. The chances of ending up in a win-win situation are very slim.

NEWS FLASH! After publishing this article, the following info from the Internet Patrol came to my attention. A Florida court has ruled that it is not ok to install spyware on your spouse’s computer to monitor what they do, and that, indeed, to do so rises to the level of a punishable criminal offense. For the full story, see Spouse Spanked for Spying.

Is There Such a Thing as a Semi Sequitur?

By the way, "I Lost My Baby, My Pickup, and My Guitar on the Information Highway" is the title of a humorous book written back in 1995 by Judy Heim. You can still find it on Amazon.com. I credit Judy with getting me started on the path to writing several books of my own, since she recommend me to No Starch Press after reading my "Accessing the Internet by Email" guide.

Reprinted from: http://www.askbobrankin.com/keystroke_logging.html

BOB RANKIN... is a tech writer and computer programmer who enjoys exploring the Internet and sharing the fruit of his experience with others. His work has appeared in ComputerWorld, NetGuide, and NY Newsday. Bob is publisher of the Internet TOURBUS newsletter, author of several computer books, and creator of the http://LowfatLinux.com website. Visit Bob Rankin's website for more helpful articles and free tech support.

The Best Keylogging Software-Which Program To Buy

2008-10-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

To get the latest and most powerful stealth computer monitoring spy software available, please visit Supreme Spy Online .

Separate Anti-Keylogging Protection: Who Needs it Most?

2008-07-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

If there still are few unprotected computers left, I haven't seen any. Every emerging threat causes means of defense to appear. Anti-viruses and firewalls were the first. Now most computers have also an anti-spy program installed. More and more often experts say that some computers need autonomous anti-keylogging protection as well.

Or do they? Isn't a separate anti-keylogger on a PC a little too much? Can a user do without it--why so much attention to a particular type of what is usually called spyware? Well, the threat is extremely serious, that's why.

Information is not a liquid, but, unfortunately, it tends to leak quite the same way. First something trickles out, then…Whole businesses may be washed away in no time; and the damage which data leak cause to state and government institutions can be terrifying. Data leakage is in a way comparable with a break of a dam, with one clear-cut distinction that makes all the difference. There is also another factor- information value. A tiny drop of information, if lost, is likely to cause irretrievable damage.

Money losses due to online fraud are only the tip of an iceberg. There may be irremediable mischief that can never be repaid. It happens when confidential information people have to consign to authorities is stolen. Information having to do with people's health, work, education, families, can be pinched, not out of simple curiosity, of course. Addresses and phone numbers, school and university records, tests results, police records, health records, insurances, tax records, voters lists and so long and so forth--all these contain bits of information that if made public can probably do harm to people mentioned there.

How simple and cheap it is now to get hold of spy software! Scores of various spy programs are available online, and many of them are free. Just imagine that they are within a mouse click from anyone - and do thank God if it is only some suspicious spouse.

Of course, there are means of defense. Loads of programs are specially created to counteract spy software, and they are also available online. Why data stealing is flourishing then? The problem is that the "means of defense" are, as it often happens, half a step behind "means of offense". Signature bases which all the anti-spy software depend on, are made up using clips of spy programs' codes; if a base doesn't contain the "autograph" of some spy program or virus, users are helpless against it. And what if the spy software is brand-new? What if it is tailor-made for one particular computer or network (not yours, if you are lucky enough) to be used only once? What if a respectable program for monitoring is used for spy purposes?

So, even if your PC does have some anti-monitoring or anti-spy software with a signature base, your PC may be being scanned right now anyway.

One useful tip: When reading an article where some term (for example, "spyware") is used often, make sure the author and you mean the same. There is quite a mess in definitions when it comes to types of software. Not surprisingly for those who still remember English lessons at school, every noun ending with "ware" is a mixture of objects having something in common--usually used for similar purposes. So it tends to be when "ware" is short for "software". Sometimes it's pretty tricky to define exactly what software it includes.

If software collects information without users' knowledge and transmits it, such a program is usually automatically labeled "spyware" no matter how valuable this information is. Well, let's use common sense. If spyware is a mixture of different software products based on different principles, it's unlikely that there can be one solution that could work against all of them. Absolute protection is a pie in the sky.

What kind of spyware is the most dangerous? Not just annoying, like most adware, but really dangerous? There is particular kind of software specially created for stealing information. One of the most effective ways of stealing information from a PC is capturing keystrokes. It would not be out of place to know the enemy better. Well, here they are:

Keylogging Programs (keyloggers, key loggers, keystroke loggers, key recorders, key trappers, key capture programs, etc.) belong to the group of tools that monitor PC activity. A small, fairly simple program (a programmer can write a plain one in a couple of days) captures everything the user is doing – keystrokes, mouse clicks, files opened and closed, sites visited. A little more sophisticated programs of this kind also capture text from windows and make screenshots (record everything displayed on the screen) – so the information is captured even if the user doesn't type anything, just opens the views the file.

Software products of this type were initially designed solely for recording keystroke information including the system keys, to the special log file to be analyzed by the person who installed this program. Log files can be sent within the network to the shared place, to the ftp server in the Internet, by e-mail etc. These new software products have many additional functions - they intercept information from windows, capture mouse clicks, make snapshots of the screen and active windows, record all received and sent emails, monitor file activity, monitor system register, monitor the printer queue, intercept sound from the microphone and video pictures from the web-camera connected to the computer, etc.

Keyloggers can be included into freeware, shareware, and even into commercial programs. Trojan programs, viruses and Internet worms pretty often contain keyloggers, too. That is why it is so important to apply special anti-keylogging protection.

Who needs separate anti-keylogging protection? We can easily deduce the answer:

Everybody whose data are really valuable and who will suffer great losses if they are stolen.

Everybody who deals with other people's confidential information.

Everybody whose work requires keeping information in secrecy.

And anybody else, who simply doesn't like the idea of his or her information (even if it isn't a top secret) leaking anywhere.

Alexandra Gamanenko currently works at the Raytown Corporation, LLC -- an independent software developing company. visit its website at: http://www.anti-keyloggers.com

Separate Anti-Keylogging Protection: Who Needs it Most?

2008-07-04T23:26:00.000-07:00