A "Keygen," short for key generator, is a software tool designed to create product keys or license keys for software applications. These keys are often used to unlock or activate software that would otherwise be restricted or require payment. Keygens are commonly associated with piracy, as they allow users to bypass the legal purchase of software. While some users may seek out keygens for legitimate reasons, such as recovering lost keys, their primary use is often illegal. Using a keygen can lead to security risks, including malware infections, and can violate the terms of service of the software, potentially resulting in legal consequences for the user.