I have been using Webroot Secure Anywhere (and its predecessors) for years. I am very careful about the websites I visit and never venture past a Webroot green “Trust” recommendation and even then, always proceed with caution. I examine URLs closely and have not clicked on any embedded email links (or attachments). I update Win 10 & Chrome (“enhanced protection” is enabled) consistently, check device “permissions” and “installed apps” regularly. I don’t use social media . I always buy decent-quality, new Dell laptops. I live in a fairly sprawling condo complex with other law-abiding 55+ citizens. I love making up complex PWs, disabling “remote management” features, and keeping firmware up to date in all my devices. Yes, I’m a very boring person. About three months ago, while on the CBS news website I got a “Windows Support Alert” screen that said “This Computer is Blocked” due to suspicious activity and I must call “Microsoft at 800-...” immediately to unblock. The red and blue screen maximized on my monitor with no method to minimize or close it. Then my webcam activated inside a new window and showed me with newly-formed tiny sweat beads on my forehead. I’m not one to panic, but the feeling is alot like walking on an unfamiliar street and having someone come up behind you and grab both your arms. In lieu of doing something more sensible, I did a “hard” power-off on my laptop the powered-off my router. I turned them both on a couple hours later and all seemed fine; my “Webroot Secure Anywhere” with a recent scan, all it’s features (Realtime Shield, Web Shield, & Firewall) toggled “on”, was indifferent: all systems were just fine, but I was not. Because I was due for an upgrade anyway I replaced my modem & router with an Arris SB6183 and a TP link AC1750. I also installed a cam cover.
Fast forward to yesterday. I had not experienced a hint of underhanded internet activity since that dismal day in June. I had just unpacked a new Dell laptop and finished installing Chrome and Webroot. Normally I’d head right to Dell’s website to check for firmware updates, but got caught up in happily putting together what I thought would be a tasty grocery list on our local supermarket’s website. Again, I got another “This Computer is Blocked” due to suspicious activity and I must call “Microsoft at 800-...” immediately to unblock; I believe it was the same screen as I saw in June. A webcam “window” did not activate this time probably because I shut-down right away, but I was still in a bit of shock and disbelief; how in the world is this happening & what am I doing wrong? My ISP (Spectrum) is no help because I have my have my own equipment.
I really like Webroot and have “sold” countless of my friends on it. But these “pop-ups”, especially coupled with taking-over of a webcam, are very unsettling & not normal. I’ve heard the legend of Zuck’s post-it note, but my question is: Is Webroot helpless in preventing this type of simple attack? Or is it me? How in the world can anyone feel any semblance of online security when any bad actor can seemingly step in anytime they want?