What is a Keylogger?

A keylogger is a program that records every keystroke made by users. They are primarily used by cybercriminals to intercept the submission of sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.

Key takeaways

  • Check icon
    Keyloggers can be used legally and illegally. Examples of legal uses of keyloggers include law enforcement monitoring for criminal activity and company's monitoring for internal threats on their devices.
  • Check icon
    There are two categories of keyloggers - hardware and software.
  • Check icon
    Kernel keyloggers are the most complex type of keylogger. Anti-rootkit software is required to detect them because they're designed to hide behind legitimate computer processes.
  • Check icon
  • Check icon
Reviewed by
No items found.
UpGuard customer support teamUpGuard customer support teamUpGuard customer support team

See UpGuard In Action

Book a free, personalized onboarding call with one of our cybersecurity experts.

More from our blog

Learn more about the latest issues in cybersecurity.
Deliver icon

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay up-to-date on everything UpGuard with our monthly newsletter, full of product updates, company highlights, free cybersecurity resources, and more.
Free instant security score

How secure is your organization?

Request a free cybersecurity report to discover key risks on your website, email, network, and brand.
  • Check icon
    Instant insights you can act on immediately
  • Check icon
    Hundreds of risk factors including email security, SSL, DNS health, open ports and common vulnerabilities
Website Security scan resultsWebsite Security scan rating