What does a keylogger do?

A keylogger tracks and records keystrokes made on a keyboard. This means that it can capture every key that a user presses, which can include passwords, usernames, and other sensitive information. Keyloggers are often used maliciously to collect personal data without the user's consent, allowing attackers to gain access to private accounts or data simply by logging the input typed by the victim. This functionality is crucial in understanding the threats posed by various forms of malware in cybersecurity, as it highlights how easily sensitive information can be exfiltrated through seemingly benign actions like typing.