Keystroke loggers?

PremierPDS · #1 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 01:35

Hmmmm, not strictly business related but could be I guess if you wanted to monitor staff use of company computers...hence why I'm posting in this section of the forum.

In my case, I want this for personal use. A good friend of mine suspects her husband is cheating and I'm inclined to agree with her- he's acting really odd lately. Anyways, she suspects that most of it is being conducted online via the PC as if he isn't out on some late night 'training', he's all of a sudden spending hours on the computer (which is unlike him).

My son was telling a while back about keystroke loggers which can be attached to an email without the recipient being aware that it's being downloaded onto their computer. She doesn't think she can install software manually as there are passwords set up on his laptop so this would be the only way of doing it. I've done some reading tonight but not being particularly techy, a lot of it has just gone over my head. Can anyone tell me where I might be able to get this software from, roughly how much it'd cost and what they'd recommend? Also, is it similar to a virus and how likely is it to be picked up by antivirus software? I'm not aware of there being any legal implications with keystroke loggers as I believe they're used legitimately by both businesses and the general public but please feel free to also point out if I'm wrong on this!

Would this do it? I'm a bit wary...my son said 'oh yeah, enter you credit card details into something that you can use to steal others credit card numbers' lol- maybe he's right?

CPLTD · #2 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 07:53

most antivirus packages will pickup a keylogger but can be adjusted to allow the program to run,

RedEvo · #3 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 09:21

You could always just ask him...........bit old fashioned I know

d

openmind · #4 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedEvo

You could always just ask him...........bit old fashioned I know

d

"Are you dipping you wick elsewhere"

"No"

Hmm could be tricky but then the simple solutions are often best

Alvin · #5 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 09:42

"A good friend of mine suspects her husband is cheating and I'm inclined to agree with her- he's acting really odd lately. Anyways, she suspects that most of it is being conducted online via the PC as if he isn't out on some late night 'training', he's all of a sudden spending hours on the computer (which is unlike him).

Not your business.Stay clear of marriage problems they will sort it out in there own sweet way.

Alvin

RedEvo · #6 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by openmind

"Are you dipping you wick elsewhere"

"No"

Hmm could be tricky but then the simple solutions are often best

Like it. I remember a contractor I worked with years ago. His advice...."even if she walks in and you've got your pants round your ankles and you are in up to the makers name.........deny it...."

Still makes me chuckle.

d

PI Guy · #7 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 10:13

is it legal? that is the question, who's computer is it? if its not hers then it would be illegal to put a key logger on it. Computer misuse act (i think)

There are better ways of finding out the same info ie is he having an affair?

OldWelshGuy · #8 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 10:29

Whole can of worms there. CERTAINLY illegal to use a keylogger to keep track of your employees, it is a gross invasion of privacy and a breach opf trust. I sent a keylogger to a friend in London who had exactly the same problem with her husband.

Turned out he was cheating with this woman and another two. I advised her to put them all in touch with each other and let nature run its course. She did just that.

BUT! and here is the caveat. she also had his banking credentials so she logged in and cleaned him out. Now then I have a horrid feeling that I might well have aided a criminal act without knowing. A good barrister might EVEN have argued that i conspired with her, because as a web pro I would have known the potential for damage!

As has been said, tread VERY carefully here.

PI Guy · #9 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldWelshGuy

CERTAINLY illegal to use a keylogger to keep track of your employees,

not necessarily. if the computer is owned by the employer AND there is a policy in place then NOT illegal.

PremierPDS · #10 (**permalink**) 13-08-2008, 10:37

Thanks guys, I'm a bit perplexed though....how come companies are allowed to sell this stuff then if it's illegal? I understand the bank details thing- not good but there's loads of them all over the internet and even vids on it on youtube (most of which either don't work or are key loggers themselves in that they install them on your own PC).