Security·4,761 discussions

Laptop hidden hacker connection?

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Tags: Hardware, Malware, Security

Dear all

I have a laptop which I use as an offline backup platform

The laptop has Bluetooth and a Network card

I have deactivated both in Device Manager and in Windows settings

I have questions regarding whether a hacker could get access to my data without my knowledge

1.
Can a hacker somehow use the laptops Network card?
While also:
Windows has no wifi connection
Wifi is off in Windows settings
Network card is deactivated in Device Manager
No activity in Resource Monitor Network
–
If yes:
What would it require?
To modify the hardware or some kind of malware?
Does this kind of malware exist, or would it be hard to create?

2.
Can a hacker somehow use the laptops Bluetooth?
While also:
Windows has no Bluetooth connection
Bluetooth is off in Windows settings
Bluetooth is deactivated in Device Manager
–
If yes:
What would it require?
To modify the hardware or some kind of malware?
Does this kind of malware exist, or would it be hard to create?

3.
What other types of hardware could be installed inside my laptop to give hidden access to my data? (Given that there is room, slots etc.)
An extra Network card / wifi adapter?
An extra Bluetooth adapter?
Cellular adapter?
What else?

4.
If the extra installed hardware in 3. would work while also stay hidden in / not appear in:
Windows Settings
Device Manager
Bios
What other areas?
–
What would it require?
To modify the hardware or some kind of malware?
Does this kind of malware exist, or would it be hard to create?

Thank you
Best regards

Topic

Re: hacking

In reply to Laptop hidden hacker connection?

For point 1 and 2:
– Turn off the laptop when you don’t use it to add files to the backup, That’s the idea of “offline backup”.
– Remove the WiFi antenna from the laptop and use USB WiFi for your backup.
– Bluetooth only has a limited range. You would see the hacker doing his work.

For #3: don’t give anyone the opportunity to modify the hardware of your laptop. Keep it with you or lock it up safely.

Then there’sd no need to worry.

Reply To: Laptop hidden hacker connection?

In reply to Laptop hidden hacker connection?

OP, is there any evidence that you have been hacked? What specific concerns are you having? My fellow mod has offered some good advice already.

Even better.

In reply to Laptop hidden hacker connection?

If you don’t trust your laptop, backup to an external hard disk. Those can’t be hacked by WiFi or by Bluetooth.

Software tool / malware

In reply to Laptop hidden hacker connection?

A software tool / malware that use the laptops Network card?
While also:
Windows has no wifi connection
Wifi is off in Windows settings
Network card is deactivated in Device Manager
No activity in Resource Monitor Network

Or

That use the laptops Bluetooth?
While also:
Windows has no Bluetooth connection
Bluetooth is off in Windows settings
Bluetooth is deactivated in Device Manager

Does this kind of software tool / malware exist?
Is it possible to create?
What level of skill does it require, something like NSA?

Thank you

No, this software does not exist…

In reply to Software tool / malware

in cases where these connections are disabled, the only risk is if you lost actual physical possession of the laptop.

Impossible to create?

In reply to No, this software does not exist…

I have no idea of how to code or create malware

I would just like to know if the above is impossible or close to impossible? Like NSA level?

Laptop hidden hacker connection?

In reply to Laptop hidden hacker connection?

Disabled WiFi, Bluetooth, and no network activity make remote access very hard for hackers. Even hidden hardware is unlikely due to complexity and detectability. You’re good to go for offline backups! Consider encryption for extra security.

[Author]

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