Be aware of the threat of hidden keystroke-logging devices

Keystroke loggers are a particularly dangerous security threat because users typically don't realise they're even there.

More and more people have made the switch to using the Internet for personal tasks -- online bill paying and shopping are just two examples. But while companies tout the convenience of using the Web for such purposes, the security threats continue to mount.

That's why user education is so important. Teaching users best practices for being safe on the Web can help mitigate some of these threats. But it's also important that users understand the full extent of the risks.

For example, using an encrypted link (i.e., HTTPS rather than HTTP) to access bank or e-mail online is a good way to encrypt the transmission of private information as it flows across the Internet. However, it's vital to remember that the encryption process doesn't take place until the information leaves the machine. This creates a vulnerability that some people may not be aware of -- keystroke logging.

Keystroke loggers are a dangerous security threat, particularly because -- like other forms of spyware -- the user can't detect their presence. Let's look at the different versions of keystroke loggers and discuss what you can do to protect your organisation and your users from this threat.

Keystroke loggers are available in either software or hardware versions. They can store everything a user types without the user ever knowing they're even there.

Some of the more clever software versions can even operate without antivirus or antispyware tools, such as AD-Aware or Spy Sweeper, flagging them. Even worse, nothing can detect a hardware keystroke logger, which can capture usernames and passwords as you log into your machine.

Software keystroke loggers, such as CyberSpy Software, intercept data as the user types. They typically store that data in hidden encrypted files on the user's computer.

When malicious hackers want to access this file, all they have to do is start the program, which allows them to read everything the user has typed since the program activated. Some of these programs even sort the data according to the active window at the time of data entry and then categorise the information (e.g., Web sites, e-mail, etc.).

Most antivirus and antispyware programs will miss software keystroke loggers, so how can you protect against these sneaky devices? Fortunately, there are some programs designed for this specific task. For example, SnoopFree Software is specifically designed to detect software keystroke loggers.

On the other hand, hardware keystroke loggers, such as KeyGhost, are undetectable by any software. These keystroke loggers are physical devices that sit between the keyboard and the computer -- connecting the keyboard with the keyboard port on the computer.

Some companies actually sell keyboards with built-in keystroke loggers, which means there's no way to visually detect them. These keystroke loggers have built-in memory chips that can capture a year or more of typing. Retrieval of that information requires typing a preset random-character sequence that brings up a menu of commands.

While there's no available software to detect hardware keystroke loggers, you can take steps to defend your systems. Tell users to always lock their computers when they're away, and ask that they don't surf the Internet with an account that has administrative rights -- i.e., the rights to install software on the computer.

Final thoughts

Keystroke logging is an invasion of privacy and stands on questionable legal grounds. However -- just like viruses, worms, and rootkits -- that doesn't stop their availability and distribution.

That's why it's more important than ever to arm your users with knowledge and best practices. In addition, tell them to think twice about using a public computer to access private information.

For a comprehensive list of keystroke loggers, Keyloggers.com maintains an updated list of both hardware and software versions sold by a multitude of companies.