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Whether you're using a public computer at McGill, a cafe, library, hotel, or even left your own laptop unattended for a short period of time, you should always inspect it to ensure that no keylogger devices have been attached. A keylogger is a tiny device that logs every key you press on your keyboard. It can capture personal messages, passwords, credit card numbers, and everything else you type.
Even if security software, such as antivirus and malware protection, is installed on the computer, it can't detect this type of keylogger as it runs entirely as part of the hardware. While it can be any shape or colour, a keylogger will look like a small connector between the computer’s keyboard cable and the computer. Keyloggers can be installed on any type of computer or laptop (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.).
If you ever notice any suspicious activity or devices attached to McGill computers, even if it looks like someone accidentally left their USB key, please contact IT Services immediately.
Quick links:
- Index of Documentation on Security Awareness & Education
- Government of Canada: Tips on using public PCs
- Reporting cyber crime - Service de police de la Ville de Montréal
- Government of Canada: Identity Theft: What to do if it happens to you
- RCMP: Identity Theft and Identity Fraud Victim Assistance Guide