Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

Discover the best free computer help!
Learn more about Geeks to Go by taking the tour. Spyware, virus, trojan, fake security or privacy alerts? Read the malware cleaning guide.
      
 
Reply to this topicStart new topic
Passwords and keyloggers
Plutox
post Apr 8 2008, 07:32 AM
Post #1


Member
**
Posts: 39
OS: XP SP2



I can understand having a password of mixed up characters so that it not obviously your dog's, daughter's name or birthdate etc. but surely to a keylogger it doesn't matter how complicated it is configuered as any key is logged. The computer values each character equally, surely.

Am I wrong about this? Advice please.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Tal
post Apr 8 2008, 07:52 AM
Post #2


Trusted Helper
Group Icon
Posts: 2,111
From: Tel-Aviv, Israel
OS: Windows XP Pro SP2



Well, you are right about this. A keylogger doesn't mind if the password is long or short, complicated or easy to break. The computer does value each character equally.

Do you need any help with removing keyloggers? If so, I suggest you visit the malware forum.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Plutox
post Apr 8 2008, 08:17 AM
Post #3


Member
**
Posts: 39
OS: XP SP2



Landlord: Thanks for that - not in need of keylogger help (I hope) - just a query to keep my passwords relatively easy.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
ScHwErV
post Apr 8 2008, 08:20 AM
Post #4


Geek U Admin
Group Icon
Posts: 18,004
From: Michigan, USA
OS: All Windows Os's



Easy for you = easy for someone else.

Attached Image
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
troy
post Apr 8 2008, 02:49 PM
Post #5


Tech Apprentice
Group Icon
Posts: 3,716
From: Gold Coast, Australia
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home (Basic and Premium) SP1 (32-bit)



Hi there,

A good way to trick a keylogger (if a system has one, or if you're unsure) is to use the delete function. By that, add an extra character within your password, and once your complete password is entered (with extra character), then navigate the cursor back and delete it before hitting the "enter" button.

A keylogger will capture all of your keyboard character inputs - wrong character included! But of course, you deleted it, so your password will be correct when you sign in...

Cheers

Troy
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Plutox
post Apr 9 2008, 08:14 AM
Post #6


Member
**
Posts: 39
OS: XP SP2



Interesting idea but won't the keylogger 'understand' the deletes?

This post has been edited by Plutox: Apr 9 2008, 08:15 AM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
troy
post Apr 9 2008, 11:59 AM
Post #7


Tech Apprentice
Group Icon
Posts: 3,716
From: Gold Coast, Australia
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home (Basic and Premium) SP1 (32-bit)



Hi again,

The point specifically for this to work is this: A keylogger follows keyboard movements - but not mouse movements. So by using your mouse to position the cursor and then delete the incorrect character (to finally obtain a correct password), the keylogger will end up with the wrong jumble. wink.gif

Cheers

Troy
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 

Collapse

> Similar Topics

    Topic Title Replies / Views Topic Information
No New Posts  
2 / 512 10th September 2006 - 12:09 AM
Dan R. started - last by Dan R.
No New Posts  
1 / 268 12th December 2006 - 12:51 PM
lymphocyte started - last by ScHwErV
No New Posts
7 / 314 8th February 2007 - 06:51 PM
FCCAGut started - last by Johanna
No New Posts  
7 / 425 15th August 2007 - 08:29 PM
daemon23 started - last by JSntgRvr
No New Posts  
12 / 171 24th August 2008 - 08:48 AM
ZZ Zimm started - last by andrewuk

RSS Time is now: 29th August 2008 - 04:13 PM
Advertisements do not imply our endorsement of that product or service. The forum is run by volunteers who donate their time and expertise. We make every attempt to ensure that the help and advice posted is accurate and will not cause harm to your computer. However, we do not guarantee that they are accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.