At first, it may seem as if a keystroke logger is always a bad thing. However, the technology was first developed so that employers could monitor the activities of employees. The software is common, inexpensive, and easy to obtain. The most typical way to accidentally download a malicious keystroke logger from a hacker is by clicking on a website. In some cases, you may click on a website that looks legitimate, but it will quickly redirect you to another site. If you see this happening, the first thing you should do is to close your browser as quickly as possible.
Once you reach the malicious site, keystroke loggers can be downloaded onto your system quickly because they do not involve complicated code. Sometimes, keystroke loggers are hidden in links that are sent through phishing email. It is also a good idea to make certain that any software you intend to download is from a reputable site. At times, keystroke loggers will be hidden in code for an app or program that you download from the Internet. Many times, these programs, emails, and websites can appear to be innocent, and you may not even be aware anything was downloaded to your system at all.
There are two types of keystroke loggers available. Hardware keystroke loggers are typically used by employers and are installed on the office systems directly. You will not be likely to encounter this type of keystroke logger on your home system. The second type if a software keystroke logger. This is the type that you may accidentally download from the Internet.