Protect sensitive data against keyloggers

Q My computer is protected by the Panda security program. I know I am probably safe but worry about keyloggers and, because of this, I have a list in a text file of about 40 passwords for programs and websites.

Whenever I have to enter a password, mainly for online banking, I open the text file in Notepad and copy and paste the relevant password. Am I being too clever for my own good or is this a good idea?

Tom Charles

A It’s not a bad idea, but it won’t protect you from everything. Some keyloggers directly snoop on the letters pressed on the keyboard, and your method will protect you from those.

In the same way, a password manager such as the one built into the Firefox and Internet Explorer web browsers will do the same thing.

However, more sophisticated malicious software will take note of any text placed in forms, whether it is copied and pasted or automatically put there by a password manager.

We have also heard of malicious software that takes a screen grab every time a mouse button is pressed, making on-screen keyboards no more secure.

The best thing to do is to follow the basic common-sense security guidelines. Install a full, up-to-date security program that includes anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall features (or use the built-in Windows firewall) and keep it updated and run regular full scans.

Always take care to only visit sites you know are legitimate, never open emails or attachments from people you do not know or that you were not expecting.

And never download a program from the internet unless you are sure it is legitimate or it has been recommended by a knowledgeable friend or a source such as Computeractive.

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