Most Hackers in World of Warcraft and other games use a feature called key logging to capture your keystrokes entered from your keyboard. They get access to your computer by either ActiveX controls or more likely Javascript.

The keystrokes are captured by a program which is downloaded through the Javascript or ActiveX controls to your computer. This program literally records your keystrokes in a log file which is then sent to the Hacker. This allows them to get passwords for games such as World of Warcraft.

So what can you do to stop this? The answer is that if they are determined Hackers you probably can't. But you can make life extremely difficult for them and here is how:

1. Update your Operating System. Ensure that you keep your operating system up to date. Unfortunately, with Windows being the most popular operating system in the world has led to a flood of hackers working their magic to get access to it. Use your software to access updates and downloaded and install them.

2. Firewalls. Windows XP and Vista come with an inbuilt firewall and this is better than nothing. The limitation of this firewall is that it stops things coming in to your computer but does not stop them going out. This is where a keylogger can get into your computer and plant their file disguised a valid Javascript etc. The resulting log file can then be uploaded without being detected. The best option is to get a third party firewall which blocks traffic both ways such as Zone Alarm.

3. Browser security. The most secure browser at the moment is Firefox. I say at the moment because the very first Firefox was also hacked which caused the team to re-write their code. The current version is pretty secure. If you use Firefox, download an addon called Noscript. The only way to block JavaScripts on a site-by-site basis in Firefox is to download and install the NoScript add-in that was created by Giorgio Maone. Although NoScript is freeware, the author does accept donations at www.noscript.net.

If you use Windows Internet Explorer as your browser of choice I would recommend that you download the latest and greatest version IE7. To make IE safer, click Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom Level, select High from the drop-down menu at the bottom of the Security Settings dialog box, and click Reset, Yes, OK. This will unleash a lot of popups about insecure sites on your computer. To stop these add the sites that you regularly visit to IE's Trusted Sites list: Choose Tools, Internet Options, Security, click the Trusted Sites icon, and then click the Sites button. Enter the Web address, click Add, and repeat as necessary. Be sure to uncheck Require server verification (https: ) for all sites in this zone. When you're finished, click OK twice.

4. Wireless routers. A lot of internet modems/routers have a wireless component. This allows you to connect to the internet from anywhere in your house/office. Unfortunately, it also allows hackers to access your computer if you have the security off or at a low level. If you don't use the feature turn it off in your router setup (see your modem/router instructions for doing this). I woudl love to give you step by step instructions on doing this but routers are all different so read your instruction booklet carefully.

If you use wireless in your house/office ensure that it's security is turned on. This site does a good job of explaining how to secure your wireless router/modem:

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/w...fisecurity.htm

5. Patches. All computer games have patches. Ensure that you download the patches from a trusted site such as Filefront http://www.filefront.com/ or Ausgamers http://www.ausgamers.com/

In its infinite wisdom Blizzard uses a Torrent based system to get you download patches for World of Warcraft. I would suggest you disable this system because it opens your computer to the internet by allowing a hole in your security. To disable automatic downloading of the World of Warcraft torrents click your launcher shortcut for the game. In the bottom left of the launcher you will see an options tab. Click this to open it and you will see four radio buttons. Check the bottom one which says "Do not download now". This will stop the auto downloading. Get your patches directly from a trusted site such as the two above.

6. Email. Some hackers get into your computer through email. In short do not open emails from sources you don't know. Disable the preview pane in your email software and be very wary of email sent from strange places.

7. Anti-virus software. Keep it up to date and functioning. It won't stop key-loggers but it can stop malicious software from harming your computer.

8. Game addons. These can provide a lift to your gaming enjoyment but again they can contain keyloggers. Ensure that you only download them from sites you trust such as http://wow.curse-gaming.com/en/files/addons/

9. Passwords. Ensure your game password makes it difficult for hackers. Use a combination of letters and numbers in the password. This may confuse a keylogger more than a single word.

10. Anti-keylogger programs. There are a number of programs available on the net to detect keyloggers. I use this one http://psmantikeyloger.sourceforge.net/prod01.htm

If you are having problems with the above program this is a keylog detector that also will show if you have hackers playing on your system:

http://dewasoft.com/privacy/kldetector.htm

These tips are copied from a friend of mine who posted it on my guild forum. Hope it helps