Keyloggers
A keylogger (or keystroke logger) is a type of spyware that records your keystrokes and mouse activity. Everything you type, including passwords, credit card numbers, and other private information, is stored in a file which is then remotely sent through the Internet to a cyber criminal or even removed physically from your PC.
Good keyloggers
There are some legitimate programs that record your keyboard and mouse activities. For example, parental control software allows parents to monitor their children's online activities by keeping a record of the web sites they visit and their text communications with other individuals online. Another example would be software that a company uses to monitor workplace computer use by its employees.
Bad keyloggers
Other keylogging programs are deployed by criminals who use them to extract password, banking, credit card, and identity information from unsuspecting computer users. This information is then used to drain the user's bank accounts, make purchases on their credit cards, or establish and abuse credit using their identity.
Many legitimate software applications on your PC do use keylogging technology. PCdefense's SpyAlarm will alert you to ALL keylogging activity but will allow you to identify legtimate keyloggers that you can add to your 'allow list'.
