Removing a keylogger

Keyloggers are a type a computer program that when installed, silently record every keystroke entered. Many keylogging programs also transmit the collected data to a third party; without the knowledge of the user. Keyloggers are often used maliciously by hackers to collect personal data such as bank account information, credit card numbers, and names and addresses. Keyloggers often go unnoticed on a computer for a while; potentially leaving your financial and personal data at the hands of hackers and criminals. Fortunately removing a keylogger from your computer is not difficult and proper precautions can prevent your PC from being infected by one.

You should always practice safe web surfing practices. This includes not clicking on suspicious or unknown links and file attachments; even if they appear to come from someone you know via IM, e-mail, or websites. Always double check to verify a secure site such as your credit card site is the actual site; many viruses and keylogging programs make their way onto PCs via sites that mimic another site.

If you suspect you have a keylogging program or other malicious programs on your computer; never enter or access financial or personal information on your computer. Even if you are working offline; many keyloggers will still store and transmit every keystroke entered offline. Until you are certain that you have removed the keylogger, don't use your online banking or credit card sites; and use extreme caution when logging into any site that requires your username and password (such as Facebook and MySpace).

Generally most anti-virus programs will remove a wide range of hacking software, viruses, spyware, and keyloggers. You should run your anti-virus software on a regular basis which can be done by setting a schedule in the anti-virus software's menu. If you suspect a keylogger has been downloaded; run your anti-virus software immediately. If you don't have anti-virus software, you can often purchase it directly online from companies such as Norton and McAfee. There are also a wide variety of freeware programs designed to protect your PC, with AVG's Anti-Virus software free edition being one of the most comprehensive.

Be sure to keep your firewall activated at all times to help prevent malicious software from getting in and to restrict keyloggers from sending your keystrokes out. Once you've run your anti-virus software, the summary at the end of a scan may show you exactly which programs were removed. If you do see these, keep an eye for them in your Task Manager in the future; to catch keylogging programs before they do damage. And of course make sure that you continue to run your anti-virus software on a regular basis as well as keep all programs and your operating system up to date.