A keylogger, short for keystroke logger, is a type of ______ that monitors and…

Concept

Malware families are distinguished by their primary behavior. Spyware covertly observes user activity and collects information without consent. In contrast, worms primarily self-propagate, viruses replicate through host files, and Trojan horses rely on deceptive presentation.

Application

The program described in the stem monitors and records a user’s keystrokes. That behavior is covert observation and information collection, which places a keylogger in the spyware category.

Contrast and cross-check

• Worm: its defining behavior is autonomous replication and spread between systems.

• Virus: it attaches to a host file or program and replicates when the host runs.

• Trojan horse: it disguises a malicious payload as legitimate software to induce execution.

• Spyware: its defining behavior is covert monitoring and collection of user information.

Result

The best classification among the offered choices is Spyware.