Key

Synonyms: Registry key, System registry key

In Microsoft® Windows®, registry keys are used to store configuration information: the value of a relevant key is changed every time a program is installed or when its configuration settings have been modified.

Many malicious programs change key values, or create new ones, to ensure that their code runs automatically: in addition, they can have an adverse effect on legitimate programs.

Read more:

• Brief definition of the system registry on this site
• A full description of MS Microsoft Windows registry on the Microsoft site

Kernel

The term kernel refers to the core of an operating system that supports all other operations. By contrast, the term shell is used to describe the user interface.

Kilobyte

A kilobyte [KB] is a unit of measurement for computer storage and is equivalent to 1,024 bytes.

Keylogger

Synonyms: Keystroke logger

A keylogger can be used by a third-party to obtain confidential data (login details, passwords, credit card numbers, PINs, etc.) by intercepting key presses. Backdoor Trojans typically come with a built-in keylogger; and the confidential data is relayed to a remote hacker to be used to make money illegally or gain unauthorized access to a network or other company resource.

Kaspersky Security Network (KSN)

is a distributed system that collects data about existing threats in real time. In addition, it effectively identifies unknown threats and their sources and reacts quickly to protect users against them.