keylogger

American  

[kee-law-ger, ‑-log-er] / ˈkiˌlɔ gər, ‑ˌlɒg ər /

noun

1. a software program or hardware device that records all keystrokes on a computer keyboard, used either overtly as a surveillance tool or covertly as spyware.

---

Etymology

Origin of keylogger

First recorded in 1990–95; key ¹ ( def. ) + logger ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

He described the monitoring as similar to a keylogger that records everyone’s keystrokes.

From Washington Times • Oct. 21, 2022

Microsoft has addressed a number of complaints previously, but some misleading stories suggested Windows 10 has a built-in keylogger, while others have focused on unfounded concerns about gaming and ad-supported versions of Solitaire.

From The Verge • Jan. 24, 2018

Due to the concerns about keylogger malware, United “purposely chose to use preregistered answers as our first form of enhanced authentication to protect against this keystroke logging.”

From Slate • Mar. 23, 2016

In general, phishing and dictionary attacks are probably more common security threats to your online accounts than keylogger software.

From Slate • Mar. 23, 2016

She reached into her pocket and pulled out the keylogger that she’d found in her desk the first day.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti