Which type of spyware is specifically designed to capture and log keystrokes?

The type of spyware specifically designed to capture and log keystrokes is known as a keylogger. This form of malicious software monitors and records every keystroke made by a user, often to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data. Keyloggers operate in the background, making them difficult to detect, and can be either software-based or hardware-based.

Keyloggers are particularly dangerous because they can capture information without the user’s knowledge, leading to identity theft and unauthorized access to accounts. Their primary function is focused on keystroke monitoring, distinguishing them from other types of spyware.

Other types of spyware, such as adware, primarily display advertisements and generate revenue for their creators rather than capturing keystrokes. Trojans often disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into installing them but do not inherently specialize in keystroke logging. Rootkits are used to gain unauthorized root access to a system and can conceal the presence of other malicious software but are not specifically designed for capturing keystrokes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying and mitigating various threats in cybersecurity.