The new version of QFX Software’s KeyScrambler is out, and even the free version (Personal) has greatly expanded coverage. The browser add-on protects everything you type into a Web page on all Web sites and in all parts of the browser:

• All Web sites: login credentials, credit card numbers, passwords, search terms, and more.
• All parts of the browser: Java, Flash, PDF Forms, including Runescape and many bank logins.
• All Web email: Yahoo! mail, Hotmail, and Gmail.
• Major browsers: IE, Firefox, Flock.

The Pro and Premium versions protect a wider variety of programs including Word, OpenOffice and StarOffice, along with other types of applications. The free version ONLY protects things happening in the browser, and only in IE, Fx, and Flock.

Keyloggers are the fastest growing form of information theft on the Internet. They invade users’ computers through viruses, worms, and other malware, and silently log keystrokes to steal usernames and passwords. The stolen information is then used to steal money and identity from the victims. Keyloggers are also commonly used by employers and other parties to track what’s happening on specific computers. There are a number of commercial products on the market (many free), not to mention those in use by purveyors of malware.

KeyScrambler works by encrypting keystrokes at the keyboard, before they can be intercepted by keyloggers, and then decrypting them in the browser or other program. Since by their (present) nature keyloggers must reside in the computer’s operating system, the encryption prevents them from picking up useful information.

By having KeyScrambler encrypt everything you type on your computer, you’re protected against both known and unknown keyloggers. (Learn more about KeyScrambler)

Note: As far as I know, KeyScrambler must be installed on the computer in order to function. To my knowledge it cannot be run from portable media such as USB drives, although an installation program could be carried and run on a machine before use. If someone from QFX reads this, perhaps they could elaborate on the practicality of doing so, and any plans to include that feature. (Frankly, I can’t see how it would work, but I’m not a programmer.)