A keylogger, also known as a keystroke logger, is a type of spyware that can be installed on a computer, phone, or tablet to monitor and record keystrokes and touches. Some keylogging software can also record mouse movements, screen images, clicked website links, and other user input actions.

When a keylogger is active, everything from typed passwords and account information to personal emails and website searches you make is recorded in a log file, which can then be retrieved and read by whoever has backend access to the keylogger.

• Look for Unusual Processes in Task Manager

For Windows users, the first place to look for keylogging software is in the Task Manager. Expand the Task Manager to show details, and add columns to show publisher names. You can then scroll through the list of processes to find any unusual entries.

Do a web search for any suspicious process names to learn if they are associated with keyloggers. You can also try typing in a text document while watching the activity in the Task Manager. If the activity of an unknown process spikes when typing, investigate it.

• Check Your Software List for Unexpected Apps

Check your installed software list for any apps or programs that look out of place. It is extremely unlikely that a keylogger will be named as such, so look for apps that you don’t remember installing.

If you are unsure about the legitimacy of an app, do some online research to find out if it could be a keylogger in disguise.

•  Common Signs Your PC Has a Keylogger

Few of us randomly check the back of our computers or scan through the Task Manager for unexpected processes, but thankfully there are several common signs that a keylogger is at work on your computer.

• A slow or strangely behaving browser, such as delays when you click a link or use the search function.
• Input lag when you type or click your mouse/trackpad.
• The mouse pointer disappears for a few moments during use.
• Unexpected or more frequent app and system crashes.

While it is true that some or all of these can also be a sign of different computer problems, they should at least be a prompt to investigate further, particularly if you are experiencing them all at the same time.

How to Remove a Keylogger

If you find the keylogging software during the inspection of your running processes or apps you should be able to delete or uninstall it manually. Unfortunately, keyloggers are often disguised as legitimate software, which can make identifying and removing them more difficult.

The most reliable way to remove a keylogger is by using your antivirus software. Run a full or deep scan using up-to-date software, and if the software includes a dedicated keylogger scanner, use it. When a keylogger is found, you will be given the option to remove it.

Your Temporary Files folder is often a cluttered and easily forgotten place, ideal for keylogging software to hide. Clearing your Temporary Files, and then repeating the process regularly, will mean one less place for the spyware to lurk.

If all else fails, resetting your computer should remove even the most stubborn keylogging software. This is clearly quite a drastic solution, but as long as you back up your files properly, a full reset isn’t as time-consuming and difficult as it used to be.

Preventing Future Keylogging Attacks

The best ways to prevent keylogging attacks in the future are choosing reliable antivirus software and keeping it updated, along with your system software. Most well-known antivirus software will give you at least some protection from software keyloggers.

If your current antivirus doesn’t offer real-time protection, consider switching to something that does, like BitDefender Total Security or Norton 360. Being vigilant and knowing the tell-tale signs of active keylogging will also help to keep your device safe from this type of spyware. Be wary of offers to install “bonus” apps or browser extensions when installing seemingly safe software. And avoid the usual actions that can lead to malware infection, such as clicking links in emails from unknown senders or browsing unsecured websites.