General Chat

and i just typed this reply using it

It is sometimes said that a third-party (or first party) on-screen keyboard program is a good way to combat keyloggers, as it only requires clicks of the mouse. However, this is not true, because for most on screen keyboards (such as the onscreen keyboard that comes with Microsoft Windows XP), a keyboard event message must be sent to the external target program to type text. Every software keylogger can log the text sent as typed characters from one program to another with an on-screen keyboard, and additionally, some programs also record or take snapshots of what is displayed on the screen. (Screenshot recorders are a concern whenever entire passwords are displayed; fast recorders are generally required to capture a sequence of virtual key presses.) Sue

Most keylogging hardware/software assumes that a person is using the standard QWERTY keyboard layout, so by using a layout such as DVORAK, captured keystrokes are nonsense unless converted. For additional security, custom keyboard layouts can be created using tools like the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator. Sue

if you go to start on your computer, then press run, then type OSK, then press ok. this brings up a virtual keyboard. apparently if you use this whenever you buy stuff online it is impossible for thieves to get hold of your credit card details. i didnt know it existed until i just got shown it. its great! paul..

Sorry Paul, I added the security advice above. Key-logging cannot really be stopped without a bit of time and effort. Most keyloggers can be fooled by alternating between typing the login credentials and typing characters somewhere else in the focus window. Similarly, one can move their cursor using the mouse during typing, causing the logged keystrokes to be in the wrong order. One can also use context menus to remove, copy, cut and paste parts of the typed text without using the keyboard. Sue

thanks will keep a note of that xx

Something different..If you type into your address book on your pc like 'AAAAAA,[email protected]' something similar then this stops people hacking your addresses, i done this 4 years back and never had it since, they send a virus to hack addresses but it can,t find first so stops.....regards jay.x

Oh! dear can someone tell me where I can find 'run' on the puter please?? Norah

'Run' is accessed through 'Start'

wow! thankyou. Tina x

Thanks Brian did look there but could'nt see it got it now though Norah

Thanks for that Paul, have used it to answer you. Christine

Just to clarify, this will not stop thieves getting access to your credit card details It might, however, thwart hackers who have already gained access to your computer, from logging your key strokes.It is better to prevent them from hacking into you in the first place by installing a decent firewall and anti-spyware and anti-virus software