Term of Award

Fall 2023

Degree Name

Master of Science, Information Technology

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Information Technology

Committee Chair

Lei Chen

Committee Member 1

Yiming Ji

Committee Member 2

Jongyeop Kim

Abstract

As the digital world gets increasingly ingrained in our daily lives, cyberattacks—especially those involving malware—are growing more complex and common, which calls for developing innovative safeguards. Keylogger spyware, which combines keylogging and spyware functionalities, is one of the most insidious types of cyberattacks. This malicious software stealthily monitors and records user keystrokes, amassing sensitive data, such as passwords and confidential personal information, which can then be exploited. This research work introduces a novel browser extension designed to thwart keylogger spyware attacks effectively. The extension is underpinned by a cutting-edge algorithm that meticulously analyzes input-related processes, promptly identifying and flagging any malicious activities. Upon detection, the extension empowers users with the immediate choice to terminate the suspicious process or validate its authenticity, thereby placing crucial real-time control in the hands of the end user. The methodology guarantees the extension's mobility and adaptability across various platforms and devices. This paper extensively details the development of the browser extension, from its first conceptual design to its rigorous performance evaluation. The results show that the suggested addition considerably strengthens end-user protection against cyber risks, resulting in a safer web browsing experience. The research substantiates the extension's efficacy and significant potential in reinforcing online security standards, demonstrating its ability to make web surfing safer through extensive analysis and testing.

OCLC Number

1475305322

Research Data and Supplementary Material

Yes

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