I just wiped the NVMe drive on my Lenovo laptop and installed the latest version of Ubuntu, but now I'm facing a weird issue where a new terminal window pops up every time I try to use the terminal. Here's a bit of background: I suspect someone I know, an IT admin, has been hacking into my systems for the past year. I've reported this to the FBI and have been trying to deal with this unauthorized access. I switched to Linux hoping for a fresh start, but I still have my doubts about my system's security. I also need help understanding what settings to adjust in the BIOS, as I'm seeing some conflicting information about Secure Boot. Can anyone help me troubleshoot the terminal issue, ensure my laptop is secure, and give me some pointers on learning cybersecurity effectively?
4 Answers
Regarding your concerns about BIOS settings, it’s crucial to ensure Secure Boot is actually enabled if you want to protect against unauthorized modifications. You should disable PXE Boot options if you’re not using them, as they can be a potential entry point for someone with malicious intent. If you’re still worried about the hacker, it might be worth doing a clean reinstall and checking all your network settings.
It sounds like there might be a background process or a misconfiguration causing that terminal window to pop up every time. You might want to check your startup applications or see if there’s a script triggering it. Also, it's important to look at your system logs for any clues on what's happening after launch. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need help finding those!
Also, make sure there aren't any keyboard shortcuts set that might trigger a new terminal window. Sometimes having an extra configuration can cause odd behavior like this.
Also, you really need to keep an eye out for any possible malware or backdoors that might still be on your system. Wiping the drive helps, but if that admin had physical access, there might be hardware solutions in play too. It's a long road ahead, but you seem determined, which is great!
You mentioned wanting to learn about ethical hacking; that’s awesome! Start with the basics—familiarize yourself with networking concepts and Linux commands. There are plenty of online resources and courses that can set you on the right path while keeping your systems secure. Just take it step by step!
And remember to keep your system updated and perhaps run some security tools to scan for vulnerabilities after you’ve settled in. It might give you more peace of mind!