How is a Virtual Keyboard safer than On Screen Keyboard?
An On-Screen Keyboard uses a fixed QWERTY key layout, which can be exploited by sophisticated keylogger software to record the keys pressed by the user.
In contrast, an Online Virtual Keyboard randomises the key layout every time it is used. This makes it very difficult for keylogger software to know or record the keys pressed by the user, thereby providing better protection for sensitive information like passwords.
Explanation
The textbook clearly distinguishes between the two types of keyboards based on their key layout. While both may look similar, the critical security difference lies in the layout pattern. On-Screen Keyboards have predictable, fixed QWERTY layouts that keyloggers can easily track. Virtual Keyboards, however, randomise their layout with each use, making it nearly impossible for keyloggers to determine which keys were pressed. This randomisation is the key safety feature that makes Virtual Keyboards more secure for entering sensitive data like passwords.