A Disturbing Cyber Intrusion: My Shocking Experience with Unwanted Access

Recently, I encountered a baffling and unsettling incident involving my computer. After stepping out of the shower, I was taken aback to find my browser opening spontaneously. To my astonishment, a series of actions unfolded that made it clear someone was remotely controlling my device. The mysterious intruder typed an insult into the address bar and proceeded to access my cryptocurrency bookmarks, specifically for platforms like Coinbase and Binance.

In a state of panic, I attempted to close the browser using the keyboard shortcut Alt+F4, but to my dismay, nothing happened. My mouse was unresponsive as well, leading me to forcefully shut down my computer to regain control.

What Should I Do Next?

In the wake of this unsettling experience, I reached out to the community for guidance. Thankfully, the advice I received was invaluable. I took immediate action by changing all my passwords, unplugging my computer, and performing a clean installation of my operating system. Additionally, I have configured LastPass to request my password every time I open the browser and am now using two-factor authentication apps to enhance my security measures before logging in to sensitive accounts.

It’s important to clarify that I do not store any cryptocurrency directly on my computer; the folders accessed by the intruder were merely bookmarks to my accounts on Coinbase and Binance. The hacker’s actions were oddly deliberate — they typed an expletive, erased it, and then began navigating through my bookmarks. It’s worth noting that I opted not to reinstall TeamViewer, as many suggested it could be the cause of the breach. During the incident, I observed that the typical visual cues of remote access, like the screen turning black, were absent. I had no control over my keyboard or mouse when the browser was hijacked.

Seeking Expertise and Support

In an attempt to make sense of this incident, I consulted a technologically-adept friend who is part of a hacker group. I have known him for a long time and trust his judgment. He has a reputation for defending his friends from harmful online activities, which gives me some peace of mind.

This ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities we face in the digital age. I encourage everyone to remain vigilant about their cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect personal information from uninvited access. If you’ve encountered similar situations, I invite you to share your experiences and advice in the comments below. Let’s work