Keylogging: what is it?

As it names suggests, keyloggers are programs that can record every key that someone presses when using their computer. But as well as big-name companies being obvious targets, the average surfer is equally at risk.

Keylogging software can hide in computers, learning all your passwords, credit card numbers and other confidential data, before transmitting all this personal information back to a thief. Fraudsters use a number of ways to get keylogging software on to your computer:

• By tricking you into opening up an email attachment that contains the software.
  
• Through a phishing scam - you are sent a link to a hoax website or blog which hosts the software.
  
• Shareware and freeware on peer-to-peer networks can be secretly loaded with keylogging programs.
  
• Websites claim that you need to download software to view certain pages.
  
• Computer viruses have keylogging programs built-in.
  

• Use a firewall - it prevents keylogging software sending your details back to the villain.
  
• Combine the firewall with anti-virus software.
  
• Do not blindly accept downloads from web pages under any circumstance.
  
• Always open new browser windows and head directly to the homepage of a company to be sure you're downloading official products or updates.
  
• Use an anti-spyware program to vet all freeware and shareware downloads.

Where to get help?

Bank Safe Online is the UK banking industry's website for helping online banking customers stay safe online.