Hardware Keyloggers
are small devices about
the size of a 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.
This is true for the
uneducated; however
after reading this page
you should be able to
spot a hardware keylogger
with ease!
Unfortunately, it is
not possible to detect
most hardware keyloggers
using software or we
would have developed
such software already.
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 KeyGhost (www.keyghost.com).
You can visit that site
for more 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-
Depending
on the brand of your
keylogger, it may differ
from the above photo.
If you see a device
about the size of a
AA battery along your
keyboard line, it could
either be a filter,
which is harmless, or
a hardware keylogger.
Look at the device carefully
for connectors which
would 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 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.
That's it! Turn your system back on and run SpyCop to make sure
that any of the 
software keyloggers or spy programs are not running!
