What is keystroke logging?

What is keystroke logging?

A keystroke is any action through which we interact with a computer by pressing buttons or keys. Keystroke logging, commonly known as keylogging, refers to the process of recording the details of keystrokes made on a device in the form of logs. This log generation happens without the user's consent. Keylogging is done using tools called keystroke loggers or keyloggers, which record every stroke entered on the device and save it in a file. Attackers then analyze the pattern in keystrokes to identify sensitive data such as credentials.

Keyloggers can also be pre-programmed to look for specific strokes like @, which could indicate the the user is entering important credentials. While keylogging is often associated with malicious intent, there are legitimate uses as well. These include improving the user experience through keystroke analysis for application and website optimization, and tracking one's own typing habits to enhance productivity and prevent repetitive strain injuries. Keylogging even aids in troubleshooting technical issues by recording user inputs, facilitating efficient problem-solving and customer support.

How do keyloggers work?

Attackers use keylogging tools with an intention of exploiting the user's personal data. They try to steal credit card information to make unauthorized transactions, infiltrate business emails, or even hijack social media accounts.

A keylogger typically works in the following way:

Notable keylogging incidents

Some of the notable cyberattacks that involved keylogging are:

Types of keyloggers

Keyloggers can usually be classifies into two main types:

Hardware keyloggers: These are physical devices that are directly connected to the targeted system. Hardware keyloggers may be disguised as computer cables or USB adapters. They detect the electronic signals generated when the keys on the keyboard are pressed. Sometimes, keystrokes are also visually tracked with the help of camera keyloggers. Adversaries will need physical and direct access to the system to use hardware keyloggers, which is why they are not very commonly used.

Software keyloggers: These are more often used by adversaries since installation doesn't require any physical access. Software keyloggers are malicious computer programs, which are usually inserted in the target device with the help of social engineering practices. Once installed, they gain system-level access and operate in a stealthy mode. Software keyloggers come in different varieties, including:

• 1 API-based keyloggers: These use an application programing interface to monitor keyboard entries.
• 2 Form-grabbing keyloggers: These intercept the text entered in a website, which is stored locally for exfiltration.
• 3 Kernel-based keyloggers: These work at the kernel level of an operating system and attempt to secure a high privilege inside the network.

How to check for keyloggers

Detecting keyloggers is usually a little tricky. Nevertheless, we can watch out for some signs like slow browser speeds, disappearing cursors, and lag in keystrokes or mouse movement. When using a SIEM solution, a few events can act as indicators of keylogging:

• Suspicious network traffic to unfamiliar IP addresses
• Unexpected process creation
• Unusual access to system or application logs
• Suspicious patterns of keyboard activity

Continuous log collection and analysis to find any anomalous pattern of events can help proactively identify anomalous patterns indicative of keylogging. Once detected, keyloggers must be immediately removed.

Removing keyloggers involves running comprehensive antivirus scans, updating software, uninstalling suspicious programs, and checking for hardware devices. If the keylogger persists, consider using anti-rootkit tools, manually reviewing system logs, and changing passwords.

Best practices to evade keylogging

Guarding against keyloggers

To shield businesses from keyloggers, organizations can adopt a range of effective strategies. Two-factor authentication is a pivotal defense. Requiring an extra layer of verification beyond mere passwords ensures that, even if login credentials are compromised, unauthorized access remains elusive.

Businesses should also implement a Zero Trust model within their organization. Access to downloading files from the internet should be tightly restricted and granted solely to necessary personnel. Even with these controls in place, employees must remain educated about safe internet usage. They should be trained to have the capability to identify suspicious files and understand the perils of phishing.

Maintaining up-to-date devices and software is another cornerstone of defense. Regularly installing the latest updates and patches increases protection against keyloggers and other threats. Vulnerabilities in unpatched software can be exploited by threat actors, but up-to-date software can effectively detect and counter malicious intrusions.

Adoption of a password manager is another highly recommended practice. Password managers not only elevate password security but also serve as a defense against keyloggers. Storing passwords securely within the manager eliminates the need to type them, rendering keyloggers ineffective.