A Keystroke Logger is a software program or hardware device used to record all keystrokes on a personal computer. It will capture everything done on the personal computer including web sites visited, emails sent and received, passwords entered, all MySpace activity, and just about anything else you can imagine. In addition, a Keystroke Logger can passively capture information without the computer user's knowledge.

How does a Keystroke Logger Work?

Keystroke Loggers work in the same way as if you had a camera pointing at your computer and recording everything that is done. A Keystroke Logger will take a ‘video’ of whatever is on the computer screen and save it to a hidden location on the computer’s hard drive. This information can then be accessed by entering a combination key code and allowing the viewer to replay what has been recorded. Keystroke Logging software can be downloaded onto your computer and will run undetected in the background (though they can sometimes be detected by firewall software). Keystroke Logging hardware is usually a small device that is connected to the keyboard cable and will also record everything on to a file on the personal computer.

Why use a Keystroke Logger ?

• It could be used as a monitoring device for detecting unauthorised access to a computer or certain information.
• It could be used as a deterrent, to prevent non-work related use of company resources.
• It could be used as a back up tool that creates a log of all keystrokes typed on a keyboard.
• It could be used as a key logger tool for computer fraud investigations.
• It could be used on the Family computer to monitor what your children are doing.

Why NOT use a Keystroke Logger ?

• Invasion of Privacy - Different countries and states have different laws about logging keyboard data. Check out the following link for the NSW legislation. In most cases, the law is that as long as the employer/computer owner tells the employees/computer users that the computer has logging software or hardware, then it is ok.
• It is illegal to use a Keystroke Logger to obtain data you are not authorised to possess including passwords, banking data, confidential correspondence etc. Most countries recognise this as a crime.