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PAKLOG Keylogger: Analysis and Removal Guide
PAKLOG is a keylogger that records everything typed on infected computers and monitors clipboard content. Unlike other keyloggers, PAKLOG doesn’t have built-in data transmission capabilities, suggesting it works as part of a larger attack toolkit where separate tools handle sending the stolen data. The malware stores captured information in a file called “record.txt” hidden in “C:\Users\Public\Libraries”. PAKLOG typically arrives via RAR archives containing both a legitimate-looking signed executable and a malicious DLL, using DLL sideloading to run its keylogging functions. Researchers have connected PAKLOG to certain threat groups, including possibly the Mustang Panda APT, which targets government and political organizations. This guide explains how PAKLOG works, how it spreads, and how to remove it from infected systems.
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In April 2025, cybersecurity researchers noticed an increase in PAKLOG keylogger infections across various organizations. This keylogger runs quietly in the background, recording keystrokes and monitoring clipboard activities. What makes PAKLOG different from most keyloggers is its unusual infection method and lack of built-in data transmission features, indicating it’s likely one component in a bigger attack strategy.
What is the PAKLOG Keylogger?
PAKLOG is a keylogger that quietly collects information from infected computers. Once installed, it runs in the background, recording everything typed on the keyboard. This includes usernames, passwords, emails, messages, search terms, and any other text you type. It also monitors your clipboard, capturing anything you copy and paste.
What’s interesting about PAKLOG is how it handles the stolen data. Unlike many keyloggers that immediately send data to attackers, PAKLOG simply saves the captured information in a local file named “record.txt” in the “C:\Users\Public\Libraries” folder. This suggests PAKLOG works together with other malware tools that handle sending the data to attackers.
Researchers have found links between PAKLOG and the Mustang Panda group (also known as Bronze President or HoneyMyte), which targets government organizations, political groups, and research institutions. This connection suggests PAKLOG is used in targeted attacks rather than widespread campaigns against average users.
How PAKLOG Works
PAKLOG uses several techniques to stay hidden while capturing your keystrokes. Understanding these methods helps with both detecting and removing this threat.
How PAKLOG Runs and Stays on Your Computer
PAKLOG typically arrives on computers inside a RAR archive with two main parts:
- A legitimate-looking signed executable: A real program file that seems harmless but is set up to load specific DLL files
- The malicious PAKLOG DLL: The actual malware that gets loaded by the legitimate program
This method, called DLL sideloading, takes advantage of how Windows searches for DLL files when an application runs. By putting the malicious DLL where it will be loaded instead of the legitimate one, attackers can run malicious code disguised as trusted programs. This helps PAKLOG avoid detection by security software.
Once running, PAKLOG sets itself up to start automatically when you restart your computer. It typically does this through:
- Changes to the Windows Registry
- Creating scheduled tasks
- Setting up Windows services
How PAKLOG Captures Your Data
PAKLOG uses two main methods to collect your information:
- Keyboard hooking: The malware inserts itself into the Windows input system using functions like SetWindowsHookEx() to intercept keystrokes before they reach your applications. This captures everything you type regardless of which program you’re using, including passwords and messages.
- Clipboard monitoring: PAKLOG watches your clipboard. Whenever you copy text or other content (using Ctrl+C), PAKLOG records it.
All this captured data gets saved in a hidden file called “record.txt” in the “C:\Users\Public\Libraries” folder. This location helps the file blend in with normal Windows files while still being accessible to other malware components that might be in charge of sending the data to attackers.
How PAKLOG Spreads
PAKLOG spreads through several methods, with malicious email attachments being the most common. Here are the main ways it gets onto computers:
- Phishing emails: Attackers send fake emails with RAR attachments disguised as important documents, invoices, or business messages. These RAR files contain both a legitimate program and the malicious PAKLOG DLL.
- Hacked websites: Legitimate websites that have been compromised may deliver PAKLOG through drive-by downloads or fake download buttons.
- Fake tech support: Scammers posing as technical support agents trick victims into downloading and running files that install PAKLOG, claiming they’re fixing computer problems.
- Pirated software: Illegal software activation tools and pirated programs often contain malware like PAKLOG.
- Targeted attacks: When used by groups like Mustang Panda, the distribution may involve carefully crafted spear-phishing emails aimed at specific individuals within an organization.
Using RAR archives as the delivery method offers attackers several advantages:
- RAR files can get past email filters that block executable files
- The archive format lets them package multiple files needed for the DLL sideloading technique
- Many people trust RAR files for normal document sharing
How to Remove PAKLOG Keylogger
Getting rid of PAKLOG requires a methodical approach to make sure it’s completely removed from your system. Follow these steps for effective removal:
Method 1: Automatic Removal with Security Software
The easiest way to remove PAKLOG is using good anti-malware software:
- Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (this limits the programs that can run during startup, which may prevent PAKLOG from loading)
- Download and install a reliable security tool like Trojan Killer
- Update the security software to get the latest malware definitions
- Run a full system scan to find and remove PAKLOG and any related components
- Restart your computer in normal mode after the threat is removed
For protection against keyloggers and other malware, we recommend Trojan Killer:
Method 2: Manual Removal Steps
If you prefer to manually remove PAKLOG, follow these steps carefully. Note that manual removal requires some technical knowledge and should only be attempted if you’re comfortable with system administration:
- Enter Safe Mode: Boot your computer in Safe Mode to prevent the keylogger from running
- Show hidden files and folders:
- Open File Explorer and click on the “View” tab
- Check the “Hidden items” box to show hidden files and folders
- Delete the malicious record.txt file:
- Navigate to C:\Users\Public\Libraries
- Look for and delete the “record.txt” file
- Use Task Manager to identify suspicious processes:
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
- Look for unfamiliar or suspicious processes
- Note the full path of any suspicious processes
- Check startup items using Autoruns:
- Download Autoruns from the Microsoft Sysinternals website
- Run Autoruns and look for suspicious entries, especially any linked to the paths of suspicious processes you found
- Uncheck or delete suspicious startup entries
- Find and remove malicious files:
- Based on the paths identified in Task Manager and Autoruns, find and delete the malicious files
- Pay close attention to DLL files in the same folders as legitimate executables
- Clean the Registry:
- Open Registry Editor by typing “regedit” in the Windows search bar
- Search for references to the file paths of the malicious components
- Remove any registry entries associated with PAKLOG
- Restart your computer in normal mode
After completing either removal method, take these important security steps:
- Change all your passwords from a clean device, since the keylogger may have captured your old passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts
- Check your financial statements for unauthorized activity
- Run regular security scans to make sure the threat doesn’t come back
How to Protect Against Keyloggers
Preventing keylogger infections like PAKLOG requires several layers of security. Use these protective measures to reduce your risk:
Email and Attachment Safety
- Be careful with unexpected attachments, especially compressed files like RAR, even if they seem to come from people you know
- Verify sender identity before opening attachments by contacting the sender through another method if necessary
- Set up email security settings to block high-risk attachment types
- Scan all attachments with security software before opening them
- Don’t open attachments when using public Wi-Fi networks
System Protection Measures
- Keep your operating system and software updated with the latest security patches
- Use good antivirus or security software with real-time protection
- Turn on Windows User Account Control (UAC) to prevent unauthorized software installations
- Try using a password manager that fills in credentials automatically, making them invisible to keyloggers
- Set up application control policies that prevent unauthorized programs from running
- Use on-screen keyboards for entering sensitive information like banking details
Safe Computing Habits
- Download software only from official sources and avoid pirated software or “cracks”
- Be skeptical of tech support offers that need remote access to your computer
- Use two-factor authentication where available, preferably using an authenticator app rather than SMS
- Regularly check account activity for signs of unauthorized access
- Follow the principle of least privilege by using standard user accounts for daily activities instead of administrator accounts
Source: Security approach combining technical controls and safe user behavior
Similar Keylogger Threats
PAKLOG is just one of many keylogger threats active today. Here are other similar threats you should know about:
- Floxif Trojan Removal — Trojan with keylogging abilities that captures sensitive information
- Win32 Etset Trojan Removal — Information-stealing trojan that monitors user activity and collects credentials
- Tropidoor Backdoor Removal — Backdoor trojan that may include keylogging among its features
- Stealc v2 Stealer Analysis — Information stealer that targets passwords and data similar to keyloggers
Frequently Asked Questions About Keyloggers
How can I tell if my computer has a keylogger like PAKLOG?
Keyloggers like PAKLOG are designed to hide, making them hard to spot. But watch for these signs: computer slowing down, especially when typing; unusual disk activity when you’re not using the computer; unexpected crashes; network activity when you’re not browsing; and accounts being compromised despite having good passwords. The most reliable way to check is running a thorough scan with good anti-malware software that can find known keyloggers and detect suspicious behavior.
Why would attackers use a keylogger that doesn’t send data back automatically?
Attackers might use a keylogger like PAKLOG, which doesn’t send data back on its own, for several practical reasons. First, keeping the tools simple and separate makes the malware smaller and less likely to trigger security alerts. Second, by separating data collection from transmission, attackers can customize their approach based on each target’s security setup. Third, in targeted attacks by groups like Mustang Panda, attackers often maintain long-term access to compromised systems and might manually retrieve data or deploy transmission tools only when they find valuable information, reducing the risk of detection.
Can antivirus software detect and remove all keyloggers?
While good antivirus software can detect and remove many keyloggers, no security solution is perfect. Modern antivirus programs use several detection methods including matching known malware patterns, analyzing suspicious behaviors, and using machine learning to identify potential threats. These methods work well against known keyloggers and many new variants. However, some keyloggers, especially those used in targeted attacks, may use various tricks like changing code, encryption, rootkit techniques, or disguising themselves as legitimate programs to avoid detection. For better protection, combine antivirus software with keeping systems updated, using two-factor authentication, and practicing safe computing habits.
How can I protect sensitive information if my computer already has a keylogger?
If you think your computer has a keylogger but can’t remove it right away, you can still protect sensitive information: Use the on-screen keyboard for entering passwords and sensitive data, as basic keyloggers only capture physical keyboard input. Use a separate, clean device for accessing important accounts like banking or work systems. Try a password manager with autofill, which can bypass keyloggers by not requiring typing. For extremely sensitive tasks, boot from a clean, write-protected live operating system (like a Linux live USB) that the keylogger can’t infect. Remember these are temporary fixes—prioritize removing the malware completely as soon as possible.
Are hardware keyloggers different from software keyloggers like PAKLOG?
Yes, hardware keyloggers are completely different from software keyloggers like PAKLOG. Hardware keyloggers are physical devices—usually small dongles that connect between a keyboard and the computer’s USB or PS/2 port, or devices hidden inside keyboards. They record keystrokes at the hardware level before the data even reaches the operating system, making them impossible to detect with antivirus software. Software keyloggers like PAKLOG are programs running on the computer that intercept keystrokes through the operating system. Hardware keyloggers have one big advantage: stealth—they don’t change your system, create network traffic, or show up in process lists. However, they need physical access to install, have limited storage, and require physical retrieval to get the data, making them less practical for widespread attacks compared to software keyloggers that can be deployed remotely.
Conclusion: Protecting Against Modern Keylogger Threats
PAKLOG represents an interesting evolution in keylogging malware. Its modular design, with separate components for collecting and transmitting data, shows how attackers are creating more specialized tools designed to avoid detection while effectively compromising privacy and security.
The likely connection between PAKLOG and groups like Mustang Panda highlights how keyloggers remain valuable tools in targeted espionage operations, not just in widespread criminal campaigns. This reminds us that strong security practices are important for both individuals and organizations, especially those that might be targets of organized threat groups.
Protecting against keyloggers like PAKLOG requires a multi-layered approach combining technical safeguards with user awareness. By following the prevention steps outlined in this article, running regular security scans, and staying informed about new threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of keylogger infections and protect your sensitive information.
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