Keyloggers are software programs that stay invisible in a computer (doesn't have icons on desktop, doesn't appear in program Files, Task manager, Uninstall programs etc.) and will record all keywords typed on that computer. Keylogger is a short name for keystroke logger (or recorder).
These programs are able to save all keystrokes, including username and passwords, to save a history of visited websites, applications launched and used, to save screenshots (captures of entire screen) based on events or at certain intervals.
Saved or recorded data can be automatically sent to a specific email address or to different web servers and the person who installed and have access to that keylogger can view remotely the activity and keywords typed on that computer.
These programs are widely used to monitor children' activity on computer or to monitor employees: what they are doing offline and online, which sites are visiting and what kind of content, what exactly they are talking with others and more.
Also, you can use them to monitor the activity on your computer when you are away from it, if someone has access to it.
Are great tools to monitor children because the internet contains a lot of potential threats such as adult content.
You should install monitoring programs (keyloggers) only on computers you own or you have authorization/administrative rights. Is recommended to ask a lawyer before installation.
When you install a program like this, it is highly probable that your antivirus will display an alert and could block the installation. Disable the antivirus software during the installation of a keylogger or monitoring tool.
All keyloggers are able to record keystrokes. Besides that, you should look at the following aspects:
Monitoring Features The best keyloggers offer screen captures, are tracking the webcam making snapshots, record the microphone when is used, record the clipboard (content of copy&paste), are tracking document changes (creation, deletion), names of documents sent to printer, all addresses of visited websites and programs used.
Reporting & Delivery These programs can record a lot of data and the best will provide advanced filters, search function, built-in reports and custom ones. These reports can be sent by email or you can read them in an online account.
Blocking & Control If you are monitoring your children or employees, you should be able to block the access to different websites (social networks, adult) and programs (games, messengers). You can set the monitoring program to start at certain events or keyword typed and protect the access to the interface with a password.
Invisibility/Stealth A keylogger should stay hidden, this means that the user should not see any entry or record related to the program on Desktop, Start Menu, Add/Remove Programs etc. Also it must stay undetectable by antivirus programs - if is detected by antivirus, the user can block it and the monitoring activity will not work.
Spytech has the most complete set of features for monitoring and reporting.