Hardware Keyloggers are small devices about the size of an AA battery that are plugged in-line with your keyboard in order to record your keystrokes. These devices are generally used by companies to monitor employees or really serious “spies” who want to keep track of what you do on your computer. Hardware Keyloggers are generally advertised as being better than software Keyloggers because they are undetectable.

Unfortunately it is not possible to detect most hardware Keyloggers using software. Fortunately, they are easy to spot by simply following your keyboard wire. Because of this simple fact, we have put together this page to allow you to find them yourself.

A hardware keylogger is installed between your keyboard and computer, like this:

By taking a peek behind your system and following your keyboard cable, you can find out if there is something “odd” inserted between your keyboard and computer.

One of the most popular hardware Keyloggers is the KeyGhost (www.keyghost.com). You can visit the site for more details and information on hardware Keyloggers and why they are such an intrusion into your privacy. Here is a representation of what a hardware keylogger may actually look like installed:

or

Keylogger

Depending on the brand of your keylogger, it may differ from the photo above. If you see a device about the size of a AA battery along your keyboard line, it could be a filter, which is harmless, or a hardware keylogger. Look at the device carefully for connectors, which could make it removable. If it appears that the device can be removed from in between the keyboard and computer, chances are that it is a hardware keylogger.

REMOVAL OF A HARDWARE KEYLOGGER

To remove a hardware keylogger, you MUST SHUT DOWN YOUR SYSTEM. You could damage your system if you attempt to remove the hardware keylogger while your computer is running. Once your system is powered off, carefully remove the device from in between your keyboard and computer, and then plug your keyboard directly back into the computer. Make sure that it is plugged in completely, and be gentle as the connectors are somewhat fragile.

Business owners, managers and supervisors are urged to do several daily inspections on all computers to ensure that hardware Keyloggers have not been placed on computers.