QFX Software has released a major upgrade for its Keyscrambler encryption utility.

The application now protects personal data entered in a number of popular online games, including World of Warcraft, Runescape and Eve.

"No other anti-keylogging solution specifically protects multiple online games. Keyloggers pose a constant threat to online gamers all over the world, and many of the keyloggers are so insidious and evasive in nature it often takes days or weeks for traditional anti-malware systems to detect them," QFX CEO Qian Z. Wang told IT Examiner. "Given all the effort, time and money that the online gamers have invested in their games, we believe that they will be well served by the effective and always present protection of Keyscrambler."

According to Wang, the software is compatible with third-party security programmes and other authentication methods, such as tokens and smart cards.

"A combined 30 million people are active players of WoW, Runescape, EVE-Online, or games on Steam so we've had lots of requests for Keyscrambler support.  The users appreciate that extra cushion of security that no other anti-keylogging software is able to give them," added Wang.

Indeed, Keyscrambler encrypts keystrokes deep in the kernel, decrypting them only for a verified target application. Keyscrambler also offers support for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Flock. The programme, capable of encrypting every keystroke entered into a browser, protects user credentials, online banking logins and credit cards from nefarious keyloggers. 

The use of Keyscrambler could help counter the scourge of identity fraud which apparently increased by a shocking 22 per cent in 2008.

"Javelin's 2009 Identity Fraud Report highlights that fraud is increasing but it is being caught more quickly; consumer costs are declining; and crimes of opportunity, such as information from lost wallets, still comprise the vast majority of incidents," said Javelin president James Van Dyke.

"The good news is research shows consumers have more control than they may think and more of them are actively taking steps to protect themselves. Additionally, the financial industry has made significant strides to resolve fraud incidents for their customers and put stronger controls in place to limit fraud, which is lessening the impact of this crime."

David Porter, head of security and risk at Detica,  explained that there was only so much that experts and computer systems could do to prevent fraud. According to Porter, final responsibility rests with the consumer. "Identity fraud attacks succeed largely because of human fallibility; however there are simple steps that people can take to avoid being caught out by fraudsters," explained Porter. X

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