Mechanical keyboard keyloggers

[MegaT]

Hi there,
Backstory: I work for a company that keeps customer data in-house. This means my web access is restricted and I’m quite locked down when it comes to plugging stuff into my PC.

I use brown Cherry MX switches at home, and until recently, I’ve been using a horrible Dell standard keyboard at work. I recently bought a mechanical keyboard on Overclockers (yay!). I purchased the Coolmaster masterkeys S.
I’ve been using my new keyboard in work for about 2 weeks. The keyboard is fantastic for the price! It feels great!

I’ve just been told by our security team that I have to take my keyboard home as it’s a potential security risk. They’re worried that it could be keylogging.

I’d quite like to keep my new keyboard at work.

Does anyone have any knowledge of keyloggers sitting in mechanical keyboards?
Is there any software available to see if my keyboard IS logging keys?
Or are there any independent security companies out there that can give me a “stamp of approval” on my keyboard?

Cheers!

 

[Rroff]

If it is company policy then likely the only thing that would satisfy them is if their security/IT team did a tear down and certified a given keyboard which they aren't likely to want to do.

 

[demonix]

They're probably confusing it with mantistek GK2 keyboard.

Tell them that your keyboard is from a reputable manufacturer and not some no name Chinese manufacturer.

 

[Glanza]

Certain chinese branded keyboards come with loggers built in.

Do you share your office space with others? I can imagine the tap tap tap of a mechanical keyboard has annoyed someone and they've complained.

 

[MegaT]

Yeah, I think the cheap Chinese keyboard news has rattled their cage a bit.

There are others with mechanical keyboards too, and they’re in the same situation. But you’re right, maybe someone has complained about the noise. But I’d happily stick some rings on my keycaps to dampen them if it means I can keep my keyboard on my desk!

 

[skyripper]

You're looking for a reason to argue with the in house security team... over a keyboard?

If you find the existing keyboards give you RSI then ask the company to supply a different one. They can get it from an approved supplier if that's what their procurement and security processes dictates.