Strange occurence

Question

I left my laptop opened and left to eat, when I came back it was in sleep mode. I turned it on and there was a minimised google window( it was at the smallest size possible) there I saw a ton of sign in screens like facebook, temu, guardio, google account, etc. it almost instantly deleted itself then when I went to history it was being deleted in real time and now theres no sign of what happened. What happened and what should I do? I suspect it's some kind of malware.

Answer 1

It may be malware or unauthorized access.

Immediately change your password for Google account from a different device.

Enable 2-factor authentication.

Change passwords for any other accounts you saw login screens like-Facebook etc.

Run a full Windows Defender scan. (offline)

Download and run Malwarebytes (free version)

Answer 2

Hi Petru Simionel,

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you are experiencing browser hijackers. It work by infecting your device with malware that’s downloaded unknowingly via corrupt email attachments or by visiting an unsecured website. Browser hijackers can also sneak onto your device through freeware, adware, or spyware. Once installed, they take over your web browser through malicious code.

The way a browser hijacker functions depends on the intent of the attack. Browser hijackers target different web browser settings and functions to achieve different results. Browser hijacking attacks can range from small changes like adding a new toolbar, to larger hijackings that target the domain name system (DNS), and redirect users to websites that steal their usernames, passwords, credit cards, and other important information.

Bad actors (those doing the hijacking) often orchestrate these attacks to generate fraudulent ad revenue. For example, browser hijackers could redirect your search page to random pages—which often contain manipulated results that generate income based on visits.

Another way is by installing ransomware on computers, which locks your browser and forces you to pay a ransom to regain access.

Reference: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-life-hacks/privacy-and-safety/what-is-browser-hijacker-how-remove

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

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