What type of software tracks key presses to gain information from the user?

A keylogger is a type of software specifically designed to monitor and record every keystroke made on a computer or mobile device. This functionality allows it to capture sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and other personal data that the user inputs. Keyloggers can be installed intentionally for legitimate purposes like monitoring children’s online activity or tracking employee performance, but they are predominantly used for malicious purposes, which makes them a serious cybersecurity threat.

In contrast to this, other software types listed have different functionalities. A botnet refers to a network of infected computers that can be remotely controlled to perform tasks such as launching DDoS attacks, but does not specifically focus on tracking keystrokes. A rootkit is a collection of software tools that provides continuous and privileged access to a computer while hiding its presence, but again, it does not serve the specific function of monitoring keystrokes. A Smurf Attack is a type of DDoS attack that uses ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) requests to flood a target with traffic from multiple sources, which is unrelated to tracking user input. Thus, the keylogger is the most accurate representation of software that tracks keystrokes to obtain user information.