Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Prepare your computer
• Part 2 of 3: Detecting keyloggers
• Part 3 of 3: Removing the keylogger
• Tips
• Warnings

A keylogger is software or hardware (usually malicious) that is installed on your computer and keeps track of what you type. Keyloggers can sometimes be used for a legitimate reason, but cyber criminals also use them to collect personal information and passwords. They can also slow down your computer. This article teaches you how to detect and remove keyloggers.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Prepare your computer

1. Update your operating system and installed programs. Outdated software can create holes in your system, leaving your computer vulnerable to infections.
   • Make sure all computer users know not to click on anything on the Internet - especially pop-ups - and to always decline free online offers.
2. Set the security of your internet browser. Setting up your internet browser differs per browser. Open the settings menu in your internet browser and find the settings for privacy or security. Disable unwanted plugins, block malicious websites and delete your browsing history. Remove cookies that track personal information.
3. Install reputable security software on your computer. Install both an anti-malware program that can scan on demand and an anti-virus program that is always on. Free options are Malwarebytes (for malware) and Avast or Panda (for antivirus). Make sure your security software is up to date.

Part 2 of 3: Detecting keyloggers

1. Open Task Manager. This is how you open Task Manager:
   • Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the page.
   • click on Task management in the pop-up menu.
2. click on More detail. This is in the lower left corner of Task Manager. You will now see a list of all active processes on your computer. These are programs that you have open, but also processes that are active in the background.
3. Look for suspicious processes. With the background processes you have the greatest chance of suspicious processes. Look for processes you don't recognize.
   • If you don't recognize a process, right-click it and then click Search online. You then look up the process on Google.
   • If you want to stop a process, click on the process and then click End task in the lower right corner.
4. Click on the tab Startup. This is at the top of Task Manager. You will now see a list of programs that start when your computer starts.
5. Look for suspicious startup programs. Check out the launchers and see if there is anything you don't recognize.
   • If you don't recognize a process, right-click it and then click Search online. You then look up the process on Google.
   • If you want to stop a program, click on the program and then click Switch off in the lower right corner.
6. Scan for viruses and malware. Often keyloggers hide from msconfig and Task Manager, or pretend to be legitimate programs. Use your anti-malware program to scan your computer for viruses and malware.
7. Check your desktop computer. If you have a desktop computer, it may also have a hardware keylogger on it. Look at where the cable from your keyboard connects to your computer. If there is a device between the cable and the computer, this could be a hardware keylogger.
   • Keep in mind that this can also be a legitimate device. If you find an unknown device on your computer, try to find out who put it there and why.

Part 3 of 3: Removing the keylogger

1. Determine if the keylogger is visible. If the keylogger is visible as a program in Control Panel, it could potentially be a legitimate keylogger with an uninstaller. Uninstall the program and use an anti-malware program to remove any leftovers.
2. Try an installer. Certain keyloggers, such as Logixoft's Revealer Keylogger, can use the installer to uninstall the keylogger. Download the installer and use it to uninstall the keylogger. You can also uninstall programs from the Settings menu. Use an anti-malware program to remove any leftovers.
   • If you are unable to uninstall the program, try to start your computer in safe mode and then uninstall it.
3. Use Windows Defender Offline. Use a rootkit detector such as Windows Defender Offline after installing the latest updates for your antivirus software. To use this program you have to dive deep into the settings, or use an offline medium such as a USB stick.
4. Search for the name of the keylogger for specific advice. Search Google for the specific program name of the keylogger. Some keyloggers, such as Refog, try to prevent their own uninstallation. Search online forums such as Bleeping Computer on how to remove the program without damaging your computer.
   • Hijack This is a good tool for removing programs hidden deep in the Windows registry. But use Hijack This carefully. You can also remove essential parts of Windows with it. Look up things online before deleting parts of the Registry.
5. Consider reinstalling your computer's operating system. Many keyloggers are buried deep in Windows, making them difficult to remove. In some cases, the easiest solution is to back up your files and reinstall Windows.
   • Reinstalling Windows removes everything from your computer. So make sure to backup your files before doing this. You can make a backup with an external hard drive, or a cloud service such as Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive.
   • It is best to reinstall your operating system if you find a keylogger on a computer that you want to use for banking or business secrets. The keylogger can still be on your computer.

Tips

• If you've ever used your computer for banking, your passwords may have been stolen. In this case, change your passwords on a secure computer as soon as possible. Contact your bank if you see any suspicious transactions on your account.
• Good free antivirus programs include Avast and Comodo.

Warnings

• Certain keylogger programs are invisible to anti-spyware software and firewalls.