The iSpy Keylogger, Big Brother and Your Security

You probably don’t think much about your iPhone or laptop cameras when you’re not using them for taking selfies or video conferencing for a remote interview. When you’re sitting in your skivvies skimming through a best-dressed list on Buzzfeed, you’re not worried that someone could be monitoring you through that little camera: that they know what you’re looking at, and where you are. You’re unconcerned that someone might be capturing your keystrokes when you type in your username and password on one of your favorite retail websites.

As far as you know, cyber jockeys can’t just bust into your computer or smart phone without you giving access in the first place. Because you’re consistent in your log-outs and password updates, you’re not nervous.

Here’s the thing: that’s how a cybercriminal wants you to feel.

Spend a Little, Get a Lot

Sold on the dark web for a measly $25, the iSpy Keylogger snatches your stored passwords from your web browser, captures keystrokes, pinches license keys and takes screenshots using your webcam.

The iSpy Keylogger is a form of malware that masks itself as a virus-free digital certificate. When unassuming computer users click on the seemingly innocuous certificate to exit the screen, they initiate the malware download that infects their computer and steals all of the information. Now as is generally well known, a hacker will use your information to make fraudulent charges or blackmail you with supposedly damning secrets you kept hidden on your computer. As it happens, it’s not only hackers who are using the iSpy Keylogger (and products like it) to monitor your on and offline dealings, it’s your spouse, your boss… maybe even a paranoid neighbor.

The Dark Side

In reading the above sentence, the writer of this blog might have lost a little bit of credibility with you. You might think the writer is a fearful miscreant living in his grandma’s basement. Not true. Programs like the iSpy Keylogger ARE used to supervise employee time spent online and spouses thought to be partaking in extra-marital activities. Do you remember that Office episode where Michael has someone from IT install software that grants him access to his employees’ email, without them even knowing? Michael learns through reading his employees’ emails that one of them is hosting a party he wasn’t invited too, and once it’s learned that he had spy software installed, it makes the rest of the day pretty awkward for the entire office.

Laws on using keylogging for monitoring purposes vary by jurisdiction. This means that there is not a firm set law that prohibits a boss, parent or partner from installing the software. The keylogger software can be downloaded for free online or purchased from a seller. It can be installed when users click on a phishing email or when they connect their computer to a USB drive that is storing the software, unbeknownst to them.

Depending on who has secretly installed the malware on your computer and the motive behind it, you could continue to use your computer without ever knowing you’re being spied on, be let go from your job or get blackmailed by a hacker. This is where cyber coverage insurance comes in handy.

Cyber coverage insurance will cover the financial damages that might ensue as result of the keylogger. This means coverage will replace your infected computer, modem and network. And if you get cybersecurity AND cyber insurance coverage, you’re doubly protected in the event of an attack.

We do everything online nowadays, from banking to reading steamy fan fiction. Would you be okay if someone released information about what you do online?

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