keylogger
This term carries a strong negative connotation, as it is almost exclusively associated with malicious activity, surveillance, and cybercrime. While there are legitimate uses for keystroke logging in parental monitoring or corporate auditing, the word itself typically evokes the image of a stealthy attack designed to compromise privacy and security.
In technical discourse, it is often categorized as a type of spyware. Users should distinguish between software-based keyloggers, which reside in the operating system, and hardware keyloggers, which are physical devices plugged between the keyboard and the computer.
Meanings
A software program or hardware device designed to record every keystroke made on a keyboard, typically used to steal passwords or sensitive data without the user's knowledge.
The security audit revealed that a keylogger had been installed on the workstation to capture administrative credentials.