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Keyloggers Explained — How They Capture Every Keystroke

Anuj Singh (Admin) 31 March 2026 901 views

Keyloggers — Silent Password Thieves

A keylogger records every single keystroke you type — passwords, messages, credit card numbers. Everything.

Types of Keyloggers

Software Keyloggers

  • API-based: Hooks keyboard events at OS level
  • Form Grabbers: Captures data submitted in web forms
  • Memory-Injection: Injects into browser process
  • Kernel-based: Operates at driver level (hardest to detect)

Hardware Keyloggers

  • USB Keylogger: ₹500-2000, sits between keyboard and computer
  • WiFi Keylogger: Sends captured data wirelessly
  • Acoustic: Records keyboard sounds and decodes keystrokes

How Keyloggers Reach You

  • Email attachments
  • Drive-by downloads
  • Bundled with pirated software
  • Physical installation (hardware)
  • Infected USB drives

Python Keylogger Example

from pynput import keyboard
log = ""
def on_press(key):
    global log
    log += str(key)
    if len(log) > 100:
        # Send to attacker (this is the dangerous part)
        log = ""

with keyboard.Listener(on_press=on_press) as listener:
    listener.join()

Detection & Removal

  • 🔍 Check Task Manager for unknown processes
  • 🔍 Inspect startup programs
  • 🔍 Use anti-keylogger software (Zemana, SpyShelter)
  • 🔍 Check USB ports for physical devices
  • 🔍 Use on-screen keyboard for sensitive input

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