I'm using Windows 11 on my laptop and ran into a strange issue. While I was working in Obsidian and Microsoft Edge, my screen suddenly blacked out for about 3-4 seconds. I ran a quick scan afterward and found no threats. I also checked the Control Panel for odd programs, but everything seemed normal. I avoid suspicious sites and have had my 5 Chrome extensions for years, so I doubt it's from those. My home Wi-Fi is a bit insecure, but I'm really cautious about what I click. The bizarre part is that I heard a robotic female voice saying 'hi' through my headphones, and I've covered my camera with tape just to be safe. I'm not actively using my laptop while it's connected to Wi-Fi right now either. ChatGPT suggested it might be some Windows feature like Windows Hello, but I disabled that feature as soon as I got the laptop. I'm worried that someone might be remote accessing it. Any ideas on what could be going on?
3 Answers
It sounds like it could be a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). These types of malware can allow someone to take control of your computer without your permission, often without you noticing it. Since you haven't accessed any sketchy sites, it might have come through a disguised link or a seemingly safe download. It's also a good idea to run a full system scan using a different antivirus program to see if anything comes up.
Also, try resetting your router or changing its password if you're worried about your Wi-Fi being insecure. Sometimes, just updating your security settings can help prevent unauthorized access.
Have you checked for unusual software running in the background? It could be something from your Anki add-ons or potentially other applications misbehaving. It's important to monitor those and even consider uninstalling the add-ons temporarily to see if the problem persists.
Yeah, be careful with your links, even if they look good. Make sure to keep your software updated and consider changing your passwords, just in case.