Entering password is one of the most common activity on computers. In almost every web application like emails, user account is a need and you are required to enter your password to login. Other people might gain access to your account easily and see all your private data if you use thosecommon passwords. But using a very unique password may not be secure too if you are using a public computer. Who knows if the computer has keylogger installed and every single keystroke is recorded?
In this case, every single thing you type using the keyboard will be recorded and most probably your password will be exposed to third parties. Here’s an easy way to prevent this if you’re using Windows. Not sure for other operating systems as I have only been using Windows all the while. To avoid your password being recorded, all you have to do is to type your password using your mouse.
To do this:
- Start > All programs > Accessories > Accessibility
- Click on “On-Screen Keyboard“
- Every time you enter your password, use the on-screen keyboard and most probably you are save
Make sure there is no one standing near you looking at your monitor when you are entering your password using the on-screen keyboard. It is very easy for one to know your password by so as you are entering your password one by one using the mouse.
Update: Someone pointed out that this method is useless in fighting keylogger. But it’s still better to use mouse to enter password instead of keyboard in my opinion – who knows if someone uses keylogger like this. Thanks anyway for that tips, Alex.
Image:niaid
Sorry but this is purely inaccurate. Keyloggers use kernel level hooks to get the key strokes. It doesn’t matter if it’s typed with a keyboard or an on screen keyboard. Computer science 101
Is that so? I remember someone told me that keylogger will log my keystrokes when I’m using the keyboard. Do all keyloggers work the same way? Thanks for your information anyway, will update my post.