Cybersecurity Glossary
Keylogger
A tool that records every keystroke, capturing passwords as they are typed.
What Keylogger means
A keylogger can be software installed by malware or a small hardware device plugged in between keyboard and computer. It captures everything typed, including passwords, card numbers and private messages, and sends it to the attacker in batches. Hardware versions defeat most security software entirely.
Why Keylogger matters for small businesses and nonprofits
Keyloggers strip the value out of strong passwords, because complexity does not help when the password is captured at the moment of typing. This is one of the clearest arguments for multi factor authentication and for passkeys, which cannot be replayed.
What to do about Keylogger
- Use multi factor authentication so a captured password is not sufficient
- Move to passkeys where the service supports them
- Inspect shared and public machines physically, particularly reception and workshop computers
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