Note: This blog post is designed to complement the accompanying video embedded at the top of the page. The video provides an in-depth, visual demonstration of the concepts and code discussed here, making it an invaluable resource for learners.
Introduction
Keyloggers are both fascinating and controversial. This video demonstrates how to create a basic keylogger using the Windows API without driver-level or DLL injection complexity.
Techniques Explored in the video
- GetKeyState API: Detects which keys are pressed using virtual key codes.
- Character Conversion: Converts ASCII codes into readable characters using Shift and Caps Lock detection.
- Special Key Handling: Adds support for Enter, Space, and number row characters using virtual key constants.
- Repeat Timing: Discusses the pitfalls of keypress repetition and how to respect the user’s keyboard delay settings using SystemParametersInfo.
Enhancements Discussed in the video
- Mapping shifted characters (
!,@,#, etc.) - Cross-application logging using foreground window tracking
- Improving realism through dynamic sleep intervals and reduced visibility
Final Notes
This is an educational exercise for Windows developers and reverse engineers to understand input APIs, not for unethical use. For a more robust approach, Pavel recommends exploring SetWindowsHookEx.
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Explore the accompanying video for a detailed walkthrough of the code and concepts, and keep experimenting.
For more insights into Windows internals and advanced programming concepts, keep exploring TrainSec’s free Knowledge Library. Stay tuned for more deep dives into topics that empower your technical growth!
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