Keylogger on Replacement Keyboard

CeeKay8

Hello,

I'm looking to purchase a replacement unbranded keyboard for my Asus laptop off AliExpress and it's got me thinking. Is it possible for it to have a keylogger installed on it? Would Bitdefender pick it up if I do a keylogger scan or does that only scan for keylogger software on the OS?

thanks

Gjoksi

Hello.

Check out this article:

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/1442/

There are two main types of keyloggers: software-based keyloggers and hardware-based keyloggers. Here's how each type works:

Software-Based Keyloggers:

Software keyloggers are programs or scripts that are installed on a computer system. They can be introduced through malicious downloads, infected email attachments, compromised websites, or other forms of malware distribution. Once installed, a software-based keylogger can function in various ways:

• Hooking Keyboard Input: Keyloggers can use hooks, which are mechanisms that allow them to intercept keyboard inputs before they reach the operating system or the target application. By doing so, they capture the keystrokes and can record them in a hidden log file.
• Kernel-Level Keylogging: Some advanced keyloggers operate at the kernel level of an operating system. This allows them to have greater access to system functions and can make them harder to detect and remove.
• Periodic Data Upload: Software keyloggers might periodically send the captured keystrokes to a remote server controlled by the attacker. This allows the attacker to access the stolen information without having physical access to the compromised device.

Hardware-Based Keyloggers:

Hardware keyloggers are physical devices that are attached to a target computer or keyboard. They can be plugged into a USB port, placed between the computer and the keyboard cable, or integrated into the computer hardware itself (e.g., inside a keyboard or laptop). Hardware keyloggers record keystrokes directly as they pass through the keyboard before they even reach the computer's operating system.

Some variations of hardware keyloggers can be more challenging to detect as they do not rely on software-based methods.

So, it is possible for the keyboard to have a keylogger already installed on it, and there is a great chance that Bitdefender could not detect it, because it is hardware based.

I always avoid buying unbranded keyboards, mice etc. I have 3 (three) keyboards at my home, and they are all Logitech, which is a trusted brand.

Regards.