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CCST Cybersecurity: What Type of Malware Secretly Records Keystrokes on Victim’s Computer? Keyloggers Explained for CCST Cybersecurity

What malware records every keystroke a user makes? Learn how keyloggers work, their impact, and why they are a major cybersecurity threat—essential knowledge for the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity 100-160 exam.

Table of Contents

Question

A hacker installs a program on a victim’s computer that secretly records their keystrokes. What type of malware is this?

A. Ransomware
B. Spyware
C. Rootkit
D. Keylogger
E. Trojan

Answer

D. Keylogger

Explanation

A keylogger records keystrokes to capture sensitive information such as passwords and personal data.

The malware that secretly records a victim’s keystrokes is called a keylogger.

A keylogger is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to monitor and record every keystroke a user makes on their computer or mobile device.

Keyloggers can be delivered through phishing emails, malicious downloads, drive-by downloads from compromised websites, or even physical access to install hardware keyloggers.

Once installed, a keylogger captures sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, personal messages, and other confidential data, then transmits this information to the attacker for malicious use.

Keyloggers are a form of spyware and are considered one of the highest-ranking global malware threats due to their effectiveness in stealing credentials and sensitive information.

While some keyloggers have legitimate monitoring uses, when used maliciously, they pose a significant risk to both individuals and organizations by enabling identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to secure systems.

A keylogger records keystrokes to capture sensitive information such as passwords and personal data, making it a critical threat in cybersecurity.

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity 100-160 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity 100-160 exam and earn Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity 100-160 certification.