A keylogger is software that can be installed on your PC with or without your knowledge. The software is designed to track a user’s activity on their computer in terms of keystrokes, websites visited, and other activities associated with general computing tasks. There are Mac keyloggers, Windows keyloggers, and other software that is used for operating systems such as Linux.

How Keyloggers Work

Once a keylogger is installed on your PC’s operating system it will track all of the keystrokes from the user during routine computing tasks. Regardless of your operating system a Mac keylogger will function in basically the same manner as one that is designed for the Windows operating system.

Keyloggers can be used for very useful purposes such as protecting your child online but they can also be used by unscrupulous criminals that deploy this type of software in an effort to steal personal data and passwords for unlawful use. It is important to understand the difference to heighten your awareness, especially if you are looking for a quality parental control system for the family computer. Here are the two essential differences between useful keylogging software and keyloggers which are implemented by criminals.

Keyloggers for Parental Control

If you use a keylogger to protect your child on the Internet and control their use of your PC, this type of software typically includes functions such as recording keystrokes, logging a history of websites which were visited, taking snapshots of the screen during your child’s computing session, and the monitoring of applications such as instant messaging and games that your child may be using.

Keylogging software for parental control can be installed on your PC and protected with a password to prevent your child from getting around the installation. If you do not want to disclose the presence of the software it will run in stealth mode which makes it invisible and impossible to see in any of the file folders.

Both keylogger Mac and keyloggers for other systems will be able to monitor your child to ensure they are completing homework instead of accessing gaming applications or chatting with their friends. It can also protect your child from potential predators that pose as children on the Internet in an effort to lure your child into danger.

Keyloggers Used by Criminals

The keylogging software which is used by cyber criminals is installed on your PC without your knowledge or consent. It originates from websites, links, downloads, ActiveX controls, and other types of components that you may have inadvertently clicked on while browsing the Internet.

Once a keylogger is installed on your PC it tracks all of your keystrokes while you are typing in passwords, conducting online banking, and accessing sensitive data. Once the keystrokes are recorded the information is sent to a remote server where it is harvested by the criminal for unlawful use. Or the information can be sold on the black market online and be used to commit identity theft.

Keeping your child safe and controlling their activities is important but when it comes to using keylogging software it is important to be aware of the different uses for this type of program.