How to Check If Someone's Tracking Your Keyboard Presses

Keyloggers can surreptitiously capture your usernames, passwords, and financial information without your knowledge, which is why I routinely inspect my computer for this malicious software.

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Examine Your Device for Unrecognized Software Installations

If you suspect the presence of a keylogger on your computer, you should initially examine the Windows Task Manager or macOS's Activity Monitor for any strange programs operating in the background.

Upon encountering an unusual application, conduct a Google search to ascertain its nature. Common keyloggers include Spyera, HoverWatch, TiSPY, iKeyMonitor, and XNSPY. The names "Spyera" or "XNSPY" are improbable to appear in Task Manager or Activity Monitor. These applications frequently conceal themselves using generic or fictitious system process names to evade detection. However, if you observe any unusual processes, particularly those consuming excessive memory or CPU resources, it is advisable to investigate more.

Should you observe any of these applications operating on your PC, a keylogger is installed and is tracking every keystroke. Deactivate it by right-clicking the problematic application and selecting End Task.

Nonetheless, this action will deactivate it solely for the present session, and it will probably resume upon rebooting your machine. Navigate to Task Manager > Startup apps and locate the application in the list. Upon observation, right-click on it and select Disable.

If you are utilizing macOS, you can achieve the same by selecting the problematic application and opting for Force Quit. Subsequently, it is advisable to eliminate it from your Mac's starter applications to avert its activation at each system reboot.

Uninstall Applications Not Installed by You on Your PC

The aforementioned methods will merely halt the execution of the keylogger, although it remains installed on your PC. To entirely eliminate a keylogger on Windows, navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and locate the program you have just deleted. Upon locating the application, click the three-dot icon adjacent to it and select Uninstall.

Adhere to the specified instructions to uninstall the application. Upon achieving success, restart your computer to guarantee total removal. Additionally, you may examine all other installed applications on your laptop to confirm the absence of any undesirable virus present.

If you are using macOS, you should similarly uninstall applications, as there are numerous methods available for this purpose. By adhering to one of these procedures, you can eliminate any keylogger you suspect has been installed on your computer.

Utilize antivirus software to conduct a malware scan

Regrettably, deleting the dubious program does not guarantee that your machine will remain free from reinfection or that the keylogger malware has been completely eradicated. Therefore, it is advisable to install an antivirus or security package to safeguard your PC from such threats, including keyloggers.

Microsoft Defender is adequate for the majority; nevertheless, if you seek to verify its efficacy, there are commendable free online virus scanning and eradication services available. Consider downloading and installing Malwarebytes, a robust and effective malware scanner.

In summary, it is essential to conduct a malware scan of your system and eliminate any threats identified by your antivirus software. Eliminate the malware utilizing the antivirus, thereafter reboot your pc and execute it once more to determine whether it detects any more threats. If your antivirus scan detects the same malware again, you may be dealing with a more insidious and persistent kind that is more challenging to eradicate. If such is the situation, you could consider obtaining professional assistance (or exploring the "nuclear" option at the conclusion of this article!).

Examine Unfamiliar Hardware

While many individuals perceive malware as software placed on their computer, certain keyloggers capture the signal transmitted between the keyboard and the PC. This may occur via an adapter positioned between your keyboard and CPU, or alternatively, through a counterfeit USB cable.

To safeguard yourself, it is essential to routinely inspect your computer ports for any unusual adapters connected to them. Exercise caution over counterfeit cables, as certain USB cords may include dangerous technology.

This is particularly applicable if your computer is situated in a relatively public environment, such as an open office space. Even if your computer is situated in a relatively secure environment or at your residence, it remains prudent to periodically inspect it for your safety.

Malicious hardware is not a prevalent technique for monitoring keystrokes, as most hardware methods are typically utilized against targeted individuals. Individuals ought to use greater caution regarding software that monitors keystrokes.

The Nuclear Option: Reinitialize Your Computer

If, after completing all these steps, you still believe your computer is under attack, the ultimate solution is to reset your PC. Select the "Remove everything" option to guarantee that no remnants remain. This may be irritating, as all data is erased from your computer; but, it ensures a pristine starting point for your device. When utilizing cloud or external storage, it is imperative to examine your stored information to confirm the absence of malware within your archives. Consider performing a clean installation of Windows, which involves erasing your drive and initiating a fresh setup.

Keyloggers are covert yet not invincible. By integrating vigilance with routine scans, secure browsing practices, and periodic hardware assessments, one can maintain a proactive stance. In uncertain circumstances, a complete reset provides the necessary fresh start.