If you’re using an HP computer to read this article, I’ve got bad news for you.
Security researchers have discovered that a problem with adriver in some HP computers recording everything you bang out.
Everything you’ve recently typed on your gear could be neatly sat in a text file with no protection.
Read on to find out how this happened and how it’s possible for you to combat it.
As you may know, drivers allow the variety of devices you own to interface with your setup.
If youbuild your own PC, you’d have to install most of the drivers on your own.
Keylogger-software-logfile-example.jpg
When buying off the shelf, they’re already included.
Is This Another Superfish?
Thankfully, this situation is far less dangerous thanLenovo’s Superfish debaclea few years back.
Keylogger-software-logfile-example.jpg
Conversely, the HP keylogger doesn’t send the data anywhere.
HP can’t access it, so the risk lies with a person gaining physical access to your gear.
According to HP’s vice president, the keylogger function was accidentally added during development.
This is a crude solution, and fine during development, but clearly a problem when shipped to consumers.
Am I Affected?
you’re able to do so by typingDevice Managerinto the Start Menu to open that utility.
Expand theAudio Inputs and Outputsheader and look forConexant Audioor something similar.
If you have anything by that name installed, continue to test whether the keylogger is on your system.
You’re safe from this if you don’t have Conexant drivers.
Next, you should check for the log file of your keystrokes.
Using the File Explorer, navigate toC:\Users\Publicand look for a file namedMicTray.log.
That’s the log file.
If you don’t see it, you’re probably safe.
If you do, then you gotta take action to stop this driver from recording your keystrokes.
How Can I Fix This?
HP released the audio driver patchesthrough Windows Update.
TypeWindows Updateinto the Start Menu and clickCheck for Updatesto see to it you’re up-to-date.
The Support Assistant is easier, though.
That’s all it’s crucial that you do to cut off this problem.
After applying the updates, the driver won’t log your keystrokes anymore and the log file is gone.
However, you should still be careful about older versions.
Because the log file resides in thePublicusers folder, it likely got included in your system backups.
If you find anything, erase it.
Battling Keyloggers in the Future
As keyloggers go, this one was relatively minor.
However, more keyloggers are out there, and they’re scary.
The idea of having someone read every key you hit on your system is pretty scary.
Your best defense against keyloggers is running a good antivirus program that will catch them before they affect you.
We also recommend running a scan withMalwarebytes Freeoccasionally for an additional layer of protection.
Were You Affected by This Keylogger?
Do you own an HP computer that had this keylogger running?
We want to hear from you if you removed it after learning about this exploit!
Image Credit: Sviat Studio via Shutterstock.com
