I recently posted a article regarding Botnets and explained what it is and what it is used for by the unethical people online. The question on protecting yourself against Botnets arised another topic and i thought i would rather write a Blog to get more peoples attention to this serious issue.

KEYLOGGERS:

In its simplest form, a keylogger trojan is malicious software that monitors your keystrokes, logging them to a file and sending them off to remote attackers often Botnets. Some keyloggers are sold as commercial software - the type a parent might use to record their children's online activities or a suspicious spouse might install to keep tabs on their partner. (Not always the right strategy to follow i might add)

Keyloggers may record all keystrokes, or they may be sophisticated enough to monitor for specific activity - like opening a web browser pointing to your online banking site. When the desired behavior is observed, the keylogger goes into record mode, capturing your login username and password.

Some sites attempt to thwart keyloggers by having the user respond to visual cues they must point to with their mouse instead of using their keyboard. However, some keylogger trojans also capture screenshots, thereby negating the effect of this strategy.

Keyloggers and other forms of remote-access trojans tend to be the most determined malware, taking extra steps to stealth its presence, including through the use of rootkits.

The best defense against keyloggers is prevention. One of the most common infection sources is peer-to-peer (P2P) filesharing networks, such as Kazaa, Morpheus, Gnutella, and dozens of others. Keyloggers are also commonly sent as email attachments and via links in instant messages that point to the infected file.

Too often, people are lulled into a false sense of security, believing, for example, that if they simply switch to a different browser they will be safe from harm. It's simply not so simple. To stay safe means becoming proactively engaged in your own security.

PREVENTION:

• Keep your Windows updated with the latest available security updates and related updates.
• The use of a Good Antivirus program is your first step to prevent these types of infections and attacks. Programs such as "Avast", "Kaspersky", "Nortons" and "Mcafee" are a good start. Ps. Always keep you software updated with the latest definitions, otherwise they would be of no use.
• Install a Good and trusted Firewall, check out this site for Firewalls and tips.
• To add to your protection you must have a good Antispyware installed, such as "Spybot Search And Destroy", "Superantispyware" or "No-Adware". Also keep them updated to the latest definitions.
• "Zemana Antilogger" is one of the best antilogger programs i have tested thus far and can boost your protection even more.

As a last resort you can use online scanning like this service, Multi engine antivirus scanner which scans your file with 24 antivirus engines and reports it back to you if the file is recognized as a virus or spyware. This ensures that none of the malicious programs can escape from being detected as there are 24 different antivirus engines involved in the scanning process.

I hope that this will help you in protecting your computer and your personal data. Always treat your computer with some TLC, afterall it is your most important tool you use to do business on the internet.

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