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It’s a question that has probably crossed your mind at some point – can a keyboard get a virus? The answer may surprise you.
A keyboard getting a virus is rare as keyboards rarely have upgradable firmware and mostly do not allow bi-directional communication with the computer. A virus infecting a computer can cause an attached keyboard to malfunction by infecting its drivers.
In this blog post, we will explore how keyboards can get viruses and what you can do to protect yourself from them. We will also provide tips on how to fix a keyboard that has been infected with a virus.
Let’s dig in a little bit more about how keyboards can get viruses.
Table of Contents
3 Ways in Which Keyboards Can Get Viruses
There are several ways in which a keyboard can get a virus. Some of the most common ways include:
1. Firmware Controlling Programmable Keys is Infected
One of the most common ways for a keyboard to get a virus is through the firmware controlling programmable keys.
This type of virus can be transmitted through malicious software that is installed on your computer.
Once the software is installed, it will be able to infect the firmware of your keyboard and cause it to malfunction.
Most gaming keyboards and some laptop keyboards have programmable keys. If you are using one of these keyboards, it is important to make sure that the software on your computer is up-to-date and free of malware.
You should also install a good antivirus program to help protect your computer from infection.
If your keyboard has been infected with this type of virus, you may notice that some keys are not working properly. In some cases, the keyboard may stop working altogether.
If this happens, you will need to reflash the firmware on your keyboard in order to fix it.
You can usually find instructions on how to do this online or in your keyboard’s user manual.
2. The Keyboard Driver is Infected
Another way in which a keyboard can get a virus is through the keyboard driver.
This type of virus can be transmitted through malicious software that is installed on your computer.
Once the software is installed, it will be able to infect the driver of your keyboard and cause it to malfunction.
Sometimes, the virus may even be able to stop your keyboard from working altogether.
If you think that your keyboard driver has been infected by a virus, you can try to fix it by using a special program called a “driver cleaner.” Driver cleaners are designed to remove specific driver files installed on your computer.
Once the software is removed, the keyboard driver will be restored to its original state. You can then re-install the latest driver.
Make sure to a driver cleaner one that’s reputable and download it from a trusted source.
If you are unable to fix the virus using a driver cleaner, you may need to reformat your computer and reinstall the operating system.
This can be a time-consuming process, but it will completely remove any malicious software that may have been installed on your computer.
3. Keyloggers
Another type of virus that can affect your keyboard is a keylogger. This type of virus is designed to record the keys that you press on your keyboard. The information that is recorded can then be sent to a third party without your knowledge.
Keystrokes can be used to record sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Keyloggers can also be used to track your online activity.
If you are concerned that your keyboard may be infected with a keylogger, you can install an anti-spyware program on your computer. This type of software will scan your computer for any malicious software and remove it.
You should also make sure to keep your operating system and antivirus software up-to-date. This will help to protect your computer from any potential attacks.
Keylogging malware is installed in the OS of the computer and not on the keyboard itself.
Can Wireless Keyboards Have Viruses?
A wireless keyboard or a mouse work on RF signals and can be infected if the computer it is connected to is infected. They do not have a memory or a processor of their own to get infected.
A wireless keyboard by itself cannot have a virus. However, the computer it is connected to can have a virus.
If the computer is infected with a virus, the virus can be transmitted to the keyboard through the RF signal, only if the keyboard allows bi-directional communication with a computer.
Can A Virus Be Transmitted Through Keyboard?
A memory component is required for a virus to be transmitted through a keyboard. Since keyboards do not have a memory component, they cannot transmit a virus.
Malware or a virus can cause a keyboard connected to an infected computer to malfunction. The keyboard may stop working or some keys may not work properly.
However, keyboards are inherently transmitting devices and do not allow bi-directional communication. This means it is difficult for a virus to move from a computer to the attached keyboard.
Many modern keyboards and Bluetooth keyboards in particular have small firmware required to implement the USB protocol and communicate basic information with the computer.
Upgradable firmware is hackable in effect. That is, a virus or a keylogger can be directly installed into the keyboard itself.
On the other hand, if the firmware on your keyboard is not upgradable, that is, you cannot change the original software installed, this will deter a new malicious software from installing on the keyboard.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to figure out if your keyboard software is upgradable, as it is very rarely documented.
Can A Virus Stop My Keyboard From Working?
A keyboard that has been infected with a virus can stop your keyboard from working properly. There are several ways in which a virus could affect a keyboard.
Here are a few identifying symptoms of a keyboard virus:
- The keyboard may start to type gibberish or random letters.
- Certain keys may not work at all, or the wrong letter or number may be typed when they are hit.
- The cursor on the screen may move erratically without any input from the user.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take action immediately in order to protect your computer from further damage.
How do you fix a keyboard virus?
There are a few steps you can take in order to fix a keyboard virus.
1. try restarting your computer. This may be enough to get rid of the virus.
2. If that does not work, you can try disconnecting and then reconnecting your keyboard.
3. Reinstall the drivers for your keyboard. In most cases, you can do this by going to the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers.
4. Re-flash your keyboard’s firmware. This is a more drastic step, and should only be attempted if the other methods have failed.
5. If these methods do not work, you may need to download and run a virus scan on your computer.
Most malware will be hosted on your computer and not actually on the keyboard itself, so a full system scan will be necessary in order to get rid of the virus.
If you are still having problems with your keyboard after taking these steps, it is best to consult with a professional.
The Bottom Line
While it is possible for a keyboard to become infected with a virus, it is not very common. In most cases, the virus will be hosted on the computer itself and not on the keyboard.
However, if your keyboard is exhibiting any strange behavior, it is always best to take action immediately in order to protect your computer from further damage.
