As Apple releases iOS 12.1.4 to fix the FaceTime issue that basically turned iOS devices into listening posts, another major issue is emerging. A number of apps are effectively acting as key loggers, collecting every tap and swipe you make. And the apps can do this without requesting permission.

Samsung is currently shipping laptops with keyloggers pre-installed on some machines, according to security expert Mohamed Hassan on Network World.

Sticking with trusted computers is your best bet for security, but sometimes security-unknown setups are unavoidable. Enter text with a Greasemonkey-powered virtual keyboard, though, and key-loggers are out of luck. Using a virtual keyboard isn't an absolute guarantee against having your login and password lifted—thieves can be rather resourceful, of course—but it is a good defence against hardware and basic software key-loggers. More than 22 keyboard layouts are available, making it easy to take advantage of that great Slovenian password you've been dying to use. Virtual Keyboard Interface is a Greasemonkey script, works wherever Greasemonkey does. Virtual Keyboard Interface

Windows only: If you've got that paranoid feeling that something's monitoring what you type into your web browser—like a private email or online banking login—protect yourself from keyloggers with free browser plug-in KeyScrambler. Operating as a layer between your keyboard and your web browser, KeyScrambler encrypts your key strokes and decrypts them as they are placed into the browser, so that a keylogger would only intercept the encrypted stream, not the actual text—essentially gibberish instead of your personal information. KeyScrambler Personal (the free version) is available as a plug-in for Firefox and Internet Explorer; pay-for upgrades from US$30 to US$45 extend its key scrambling technology to other applicatons such as Outlook, Quicken, and more. For another free keylogger evasion app that works beyond the browser, check out Anti Keylogger Shield. Thanks for the tip, theNitwit!

KeyScrambler Personal Edition

Windows only: Freeware application Anti Keylogger Shield blocks keyloggers from tracking the passwords and other personal information you type on your computer. Unlike other similar tools, Anti Keylogger Shield does not detect existing keylogger software; it just disables the mechanisms they use to record your typing. While I can't vouch for this app across the board, I did install one keylogger and it worked as advertised—I typed, but the log remained empty. This would be a real winner if it were portable and could run from thumb drives. (For portable protection, check out previously mentioned SafeKeys.) Thanks Jason! Anti Keylogger Shield