Devices To Carbon Copy Human/PC Interaction™

Recording of typing on your keyboard - dispelling the myths

This page describes the two ways to recording typing on your computer keyboard.

There are two types of keyloggers, hardware and software.

Hardware Keyloggers

Hardware keyloggers record typing, by plugging a tiny device into the computers keyboard.

An example of a hardware keylogger device is the KeyCarbon USB, from www.keycarbon.com.

Software Keyloggers

The second method of recording typing is via a software keyloger. This works by the user installing some software on the operating system of the computer, usually Windows 98/XP/Vista.

Hardware vs. Software Comparison
There are two ways to record typing on your computer:
Hardware Keylogger
Software Keylogger
Simply plug the device into your computers keyboard cable, recording starts instantly.hardware keylogger Log in, install software (only possible with passwords and Administration privileges).software keylogger

 

Easiest method?
Each method of recording typing has its own advantages:
Hardware Keylogger
Software Keylogger
  • Installs in 5 seconds, simply plug it in.
  • Can be installed even if the computer is switched off.
  • Can be installed without logging into the computer.
  • Can be removed, and the information retrieved on another computer.
  • Requires reaching behind the computer to plug the device in.
  • Requires a password to log into the computer.
  • Requires administration rights to install.
  • Requires that software be installed on the computer.
  • Can record operating system events such as page file size, etc.


Methods of detection?
Each method of recording typing has its strengths:
Hardware Keylogger
Software Keylogger
  • Undetectable by virus scanners.
  • Device is invisible to software running on the host PC.
  • Data inside device is encrypted with up to 128-bit encryption.
  • Takes 2-3 minutes to download the log from the device.
  • Virus scanners will detect and remove the software keylogger.
  • Anti spyware software will alert the user if a software keylogger is present.
  • The software keylogger can be temporarily disabled by the user.
  • Log downloads instantly.

 

Safest method?
Each method of recording typing has its strengths:
Hardware Keylogger
Software Keylogger
  • Works on a Macintosh or Linux computer.
  • Works on any operating system, including Windows.
  • Superior backup - if the operating system crashes, the data inside the keylogger is still safe.
  • Device runs indepedently of the operating system.
  • Device is invisible to software running on the host PC.
  • Data inside device is encrypted with up to 128-bit encryption.
View a sample hardware keylogger.
  • Will not work on a modern Macintosh or Linux computers.
  • Works well on Windows PC's (may not work on Windows Vista).
  • Some software keyloggers will crash the host PC, if macro software is installed.
  • If the operating system is reinstalled, the software keylogger will be erased.
  • If the operating system crashes, the recorded data could be lost.
Some sample keyloggers are available.

 

View a sample hardware keylogger.

Some sample software keyloggers are available.




 
 
View a hardware keylogger.