The problems with keyloggers are their ability to be loaded and remain undetected or a long period of time. The average small business computer user might not have the knowledge or experience in detecting keylogger entries. Therefore, they are not only putting their own information at risk, but also the information of their customers as well.
Even though a keylogger can be dispatched for a variety of reasons – a few good ones - but for the bad reasons, they are used to allow the access to any financial data to commit a crime.
Instead of trying to deal with a keylogger infect after it has occurred it would be more sensible to protect your computer before it even has access. This can prevent the keylogger from gaining access in the first instance.
Some of the more advanced keyloggers do not always slow down a computer to the level where the users notices that his or her machine has been tampered with. A few security experts have stated that many computer users underestimate the damage and their susceptibility to “snooping” files such as a keylogger.
At minimum the following steps should be undertaken to protect a computer system from becoming infected with a keylogger:
1. Installing the best professional firewall software that the computer user can afford.
2. Installing a professional Antivirus program that adequately prevents access to viruses and Trojans.
3. Selecting new passwords for online accounts, and changing these passwords on a frequent basis.
4. Installing software to properly block Spam from your email account.
5. Resisting the temptation to open junk emails.
6. Resisting the temptation to click attachments in emails, regardless of how intriguing the subject heading might be.
7. Using a pop-up blocker to block pop-ups on your system.
8. Continually using software that scans and monitors any changes to your system or network.
9. Consider using anti-keylogging software such as Zemana AntiLogger or KeyScrambler Professional.
The problem with keyloggers in a small business setting is the amount of data they will be access about your business, and about your clients. However, keyloggers have been used by some businesses in the past to monitor their employees to track what they are doing on the computer, and if any work is being done while they are at their desk.