Unexpected Laptop Behavior: A Frightening Encounter with Remote Access

Just recently, I had an unsettling experience with my laptop that left me more than a little bewildered. About twenty minutes ago, as I was preparing to call it a night, I noticed something peculiar: my mouse pointer began to move on its own. To say I was startled would be an understatement.

Having already disconnected my laptop from the internet, I was at a loss as to how this could be happening. Initially, I thought it might be a malfunction related to my Bluetooth mouse, so I immediately checked the settings. However, to my relief, Bluetooth was turned off.

What transpired next was even more concerning. The mouse moved with astonishing precision, opening up browser tabs in not one, but two different browsers—Opera GX and Microsoft Edge. The movements were deliberate, almost human-like, which sent a chill down my spine.

Now, I’m left with a pressing question: How can I safeguard my laptop from potential remote access? Should I reconnect my laptop to the internet just to install a security program like Malwarebytes, or are there other precautions I should take first?

If you’ve ever faced a similar situation or have tips on securing devices from unauthorized access, your insights would be greatly appreciated!

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One Comment

  1. Hi andrewxyz,

    It sounds like you’re experiencing a serious security concern. The behavior you’re describing—automatic cursor movement and browsers opening unexpectedly—may indicate that your system has been compromised, possibly through remote access malware or remote administration tools.

    Here are some immediate steps you should take:

    • Disconnect from the Internet: Physically disconnect your network cable or disable Wi-Fi to prevent any ongoing remote access.
    • Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your laptop in Safe Mode to prevent unauthorized processes from running. On Windows, you can do this by holding Shift while clicking Restart, then navigating to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Select Safe Mode from the options.
    • Run a reputable anti-malware scan: Install and run Malwarebytes or another trusted security program in Safe Mode to detect and remove any malicious software.
    • Check active remote connections: Use command-line tools like netstat -ano to see if there are any suspicious active connections, and review processes with Task Manager or Process Explorer.
    • Update your system and software: Ensure your operating system and all applications are fully updated to patch known vulnerabilities.
    • Additional precautions:

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