In today’s digital era, data security is one of the most important aspects that every individual and company must consider. With the development of technology, security risks are getting higher. Data theft, cyberattacks, and various other forms of digital threats are real threats that can seriously impact information privacy and integrity.
Virtual Keyboard or On-Screen Keyboard is a type of keyboard displayed on the screen of a digital device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and is operated by touch or mouse click. This technology is typically used as an alternative to physical keyboards, especially on devices that do not have a physical keyboard or for specific security needs.
While virtual keyboards can help protect against some types of threats, such as keyloggers that capture input from physical keyboards, they are not completely secure. Virtual keyboards are still vulnerable to various forms of cyberattacks, such as screen capture malware, spyware, and other techniques that can steal information entered through these keyboards.
Therefore, it is important to know how to implement more secure methods to protect sensitive data and user privacy.
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What is a Virtual Keyboard?
A Virtual Keyboard is an input device that is displayed on the screen of a digital device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Users can type by pressing virtual buttons using a mouse, stylus, or a touch of a finger on the touchscreen. Virtual keyboards are generally used as an alternative to physical keyboards, especially on devices that do not have a physical keyboard or for special purposes such as added security.
How it Works and Functionality
Virtual keyboards work by mapping the layout of a physical keyboard into an on-screen visual form. When the user presses a key on the screen, the virtual keyboard software sends the same signal as if the key was pressed on a physical keyboard. Some virtual keyboards also come with additional features such as text prediction, auto-correction, and a variety of input languages.
The virtual functionality of the keyboard includes:
- Data Input: Allows users to input text and characters into the device without the need to use a physical keyboard.
- Additional Security: Used to enter sensitive data such as passwords or financial information to avoid keyloggers capturing input from physical keyboards.
- Accessibility: Helping users with special needs or physical limitations to type and interact with digital devices.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Virtual Keyboard
Advantage:
- Portability: It doesn’t require any additional hardware, making it especially useful for portable devices like tablets and smartphones.
- Security: Reduces the risk of keylogging on physical keyboards, as input cannot be captured by keyloggers working on hardware.
- Flexibility: Can be used on a variety of devices and platforms with customizable layouts and functions.
Deficiency:
- Vulnerability To Malware: Despite protecting against physical keyloggers, virtual keyboards are still vulnerable to malware attacks that can record the user’s screen or activity.
- Speed and Efficiency: Typing on a virtual keyboard is generally slower and less efficient compared to a physical keyboard, especially for long text.
- Convenience: Users may feel less comfortable and get tired more easily when typing with a virtual keyboard, especially on smaller devices such as smartphones.
Security Risks of Using Virtual Keyboard
Keylogger
A keylogger is a type of malware that records every keystroke a user makes on a physical or virtual keyboard. Although virtual keyboards are designed to avoid hardware keyloggers, there are software keyloggers that can capture data from virtual keystrokes. This keylogger can record sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data.
Spyware
Spyware is software that is installed without the user’s knowledge with the purpose of monitoring and collecting information from the user’s device. Spyware can record screen activity, including what is typed on the virtual keyboard. This allows hackers to obtain sensitive information that users enter.
Malware Attacks
Various types of malware can attack the user’s device and exploit weaknesses in the virtual keyboard. Some malware is capable of recording screen activity or taking screenshots while the user is typing important information. There is also malware that can change or redirect keyboard input so that the information entered by the user can fall into the wrong hands.
A Safer Method of Virtual Keyboard
Using Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) are hardware devices specifically designed to manage and protect cryptographic keys. HSMs provide a secure environment for executing cryptographic operations, such as encryption and decryption, that cannot be accessed by software or unauthorized users. By using HSMs, sensitive data entered through a virtual keyboard can be encrypted and protected from theft.
Utilizing Biometric Authentication
Biometric Authentication is an authentication method that uses a user’s unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprint, face, or retina, to verify identity. Biometrics are difficult to forge and provide an additional layer of security that is stronger compared to passwords or PINs entered through a virtual keyboard. The use of biometric authentication can reduce the risk of theft of data entered through the virtual keyboard.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Implementation
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security method that requires two forms of verification before granting access to an account or data. Typically, this involves a combination of something the user knows (a password) and something the user has (a verification code from an authentication device or app). By implementing 2FA, even if the information entered through the virtual keyboard is successfully stolen, hackers still need a second factor to access the account or data.