Keylogger Growth
Year Number of
keyloggers
2000 300
2001 275
2002 444
2003 1,230
2004 3,753
2005* 6,191

* estimated
Source: IDC, as of November 29, 2005

Tracking What You Type


Keystroke logging, or keylogging for short, is a way to capture and store the keystrokes of a computer user. Often surreptitiously embedded on a computer, keylogging tools can be used by cybercriminals to stitch together crucial data, such as Social Security numbers, account numbers and passwords -- and then rip off the unsuspecting victim.

Incidences of keylogging are rising exponentially. The number of keyloggers surged 65% to 6,191 in 2005, according to iDefense, a VeriSign (VRSN) Company. That's up from 300 in 2000.


Posted: 1/12/06


Also see:

Hackers Are Following Your Fingers

The Booming Biz of ID Protection