Keyloggers

Keyloggers are programs or devices that keep track of what is typed on a keyboard. The central purpose of keyloggers is to acquire account passwords for email, online games and online banking.

Trojans

In reference to the story of the Trojan Horse, trojans are seemingly benign programs uploaded to render a computer susceptible to further malware attacks.

Detecting Keylogger Trojans

A keylogger device is easy to detect. Look for anything connected between the keyboard and the computer. Detecting a software keylogger requires the use of software designed to identify and remove malicious software.

First-Aid

If the computer is showing signs of unexpected slowdown or passwords have suddenly been changed, disconnect the computer from the Internet. Contact banks and credit card companies concerning possibly compromised accounts.

Removing Malware

Malwarebytes and Spybot Search & Destroy are two free programs that are frequently updated and have a high success rate against malicious software. Download the software from another computer then transfer the programs to the infected computer via CD or USB flash drive.

Prevention

Never access bank accounts or input credit card numbers from a public computer. Never click links in emails dealing with sensitive information. Avoid suspicious websites. Do not click pop-up ads.

Source:

Introduction to Spyware Keyloggers

Defining Malware: FAQ, from Microsoft Technet

Spyware Prevention Guide, from Geekgirls.com

More Information:

Malwarebytes: Destroying malware, one byte at a time

Spybot Search & Destroy, from Safer-Networking.com

History of the Trojan War from Standford.edu