Keyloggers are one of the most popular and dangerous cybersecurity threats that are usually hard to discover. Unlike the other malware, such as a virus, which can crash a computer, or ruin its hard drive, etc, however, a keylogger usually retains taking personal information, such as password or credit card number.
As it is a kind of malware that records keystrokes and sends them back to the cybercriminal, it has become a significant threat to users who spend most of their time on the internet, as well as people who use online banking systems. When this malware sends back that information to the cyber criminal, it may be all too easy for them to gain full access to accounts or banking systems or even to bitcoin wallets.
A keylogger has a number of functionalities to;
- Capture the contents texts and emails.
- Send stored logs to a remote place in the form of HTML.
- Keep the records of all installed applications on a user’s device.
- Keep screenshots of web visits.
- Keep a record of all passwords entered by a user and instant texting.
There are many ways to protect against keyloggers, however, these steps improve your chances.
1- Use up-to-date anti-virus software
Antivirus software protects computer system against viruses, worms, trojans, and other unwanted malware. To secure yourself from malware, you need to keep your antivirus software up-to-date to detect and prevent infection from new viruses. It is important to make sure the software can also detect certain non-virus threats such as spyware, keystroke loggers, and other malicious software.
2- Use an Internet firewall
A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that creates a protective barrier between your computer and potentially harmful content on the Internet. It is a great defense against keyloggers because it monitors computer activity more closely. Upon detecting that a program is attempting to send data out, the firewall will ask for permission or display a warning. This barrier can prevent unauthorized people from gaining access to your computer or placing viruses on it while you are connected to the Internet.
3- Update your computer system
Security updates and patches for browsers and operating systems are important to discover weaknesses and help to protect your computer from vulnerabilities, viruses, worms, and other threats.
4- Avoid Installing programs and downloading email attachments
Avoid installing programs and opening email attachments from sources you don’t know or trust. It is possible to unintentionally get a malicious attachment from emails. If you are unsure what an attachment is, do not open it and if in doubt, throw it out.
5- Install a password manager
One weakness of keyloggers is that you can’t keylog what isn’t typed. Therefore, automatic form filling becomes useful that If a password is filled in automatically by your PC, without any keystrokes, keyloggers cannot get it. Using a password manager and managing your password in it, will secure your data against keyloggers.
6- Train your employees
Training your employees against cyber attacks and information stealing methods such as cyber spying is the best way against keyloggers and the other form of malwares that threatens any institution. When it comes to cyber security, even big organizations are facing the threat of phishing, ransomware, data breaches and malware attacks that not only results in millions of dollars losses, but also damaged the reputations.
Keepnet Labs Security Awareness Training program includes a high quality web-based interactive video training combined with frequent simulated phishing attacks, live demonstration videos, and short exams. The awareness training program specialized to teach employees the mechanisms of phishing, spear phishing, spam, malware and social engineering attacks, and ensure changes in their daily behavior against cyber threats.
There is also interactive gamification option that help employees feel more satisfied and accomplished. This feature enable learners to view awards in their learner dashboard and then share those awards with associates. Gamification and rewarding are known to boost engagement and retention. The most engaging games quickly show the consequences of their actions, that is to say, a feedback cycle can be implemented in gamification, and employees can learn from their mistakes that feedback guides them to make better decisions for the next time. Gamification turns fear into fun, it inspires, motivates and re-activates.
“This post is originally published at www.keepnetlabs.com”
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