MacBook Air M2 – Mouse Moving on Its Own | Potential Security Breach?

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kingshum98 Author

Level 1

12 points

MacBook Air M2 – Mouse Moving on Its Own | Potential Security Breach?

Hi everyone,

I’m posting again following my previous issue:

Recurring MacBook Air M2 Crash and Reboot Issues – Persistent DCP PANIC Errors Despite Repairs

After receiving my repaired MacBook Air M2 back from Apple, I’ve now encountered a new and troubling problem:

the mouse cursor moves on its own without any input from me.

I’ve confirmed that:

All file sharing and remote access options were disabled at the time
My WiFi network is secure, and only my own Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, MacBook) are connected

Today, I contacted Apple Support and spoke with Majella, a senior advisor based at Apple Cork, Ireland. After a screen-sharing session and a full system check, she raised the possibility of a security breach.

🔍 Steps taken during the support session:

Verified all file sharing and remote access settings were off
Enabled firewall (it was initially disabled)
Enabled Stealth Mode (was previously off)
Downloaded and ran Malwarebytes – no threats, PUPs, or issues detected
Cleared Safari website tracking data and browser caches
Checked WiFi connections via the Vodafone app – only my Apple devices were connected

Majella concluded that a potential security issue might have occurred. However, she stated that if this happens again, she will not be able to assist further and advised me to contact a different advisor. She also declined to refer the case back to the Apple Store for further investigation.

This is the only problematic device out of the nine Apple products I currently use. As a long-time Apple customer, I find this behaviour extremely abnormal and concerning.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar, either after repairs or on a new Mac?

Could this be a firmware issue, software bug, or deeper hardware-related vulnerability?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Case ID: 102*****21

[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Air, macOS 15.5

Posted on May 30, 2025 3:51 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

kingshum98 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jun 22, 2025 8:31 AM in response to kingshum98

📢 LAST UPDATE

The device has now been returned to me after repair, and I’m pleased to share that the trackpad has been successfully replaced. 🛠️✨

The repair was carried out professionally, and the MacBook now looks and functions perfectly. 🍏💻

Apple Support confirmed that the issue was indeed hardware-related, likely caused by a fault in the mechanism beneath the trackpad — which aligns with what I had originally suspected. ✅🔍

I’m truly grateful for the thorough investigation and the outstanding service provided throughout this process. 🙏👏

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Answer 2

Jun 23, 2025 3:05 AM in response to kingshum98

The most likely explanation is a trackpad malfunction. It could be dirt, and it could be the battery being swollen, or some other hardware issue.

You can test this EASILY.

1) Attach an external mouse to your mac. It can be any mouse (bluetooth, or usb; in the latter case you probably need a small adapter from usb-a to usb-c).

2) In System Settings->Accessibility->Pointer Control,

activate "Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present".

If the problem goes away (and it will...), you will know.

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Answer 3

HWTech

Level 9

68,564 points

May 30, 2025 7:01 PM in response to kingshum98

If @John Galt's advice doesn't solve the problem.....

When Trackpads fail, that behavior can occur. It may also occur if the battery swells & pushes against the Trackpad.

Go back to the Apple Store or AASP and have the Trackpad issue addressed. There is a 90 day part/repair warranty.

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Answer 4

May 30, 2025 8:37 PM in response to kingshum98

Like @HWTech mentioned, thats a sign of a hardware failure. You can try creating a new user account to test which will eliminate any potential software issues within that user account. If it happens there, reinstall the macOS. And ultimately if it happens after that, erase, set up to new and test. Honestly, it sounds hardware related though

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

155,222 points

May 30, 2025 6:21 PM in response to kingshum98

The most common explanation for uncommanded pointer movement is Bluetooth device interference, but you would have needed to deliberately paired a BT input device for the cursor to be controlled. I assume you ruled that out already.

Turn off Wi-Fi, turn off Bluetooth. Test.

Forget "stealth mode", forget the macOS application firewall. Those are distractions. Forget "Malwarebytes" too. No one needs such things.

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Answer 6

kingshum98 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jun 11, 2025 1:28 PM in response to kingshum98

11/06 UPDATE

I visited the Apple Store on the 1st of June. The update is that the manager at Arndale, Jay, was very kind—he actually emailed me and asked if I could come to the store. I did, and I spoke with the engineer, who was also very nice. He ran a diagnostic on my MacBook but couldn’t find any problem with the trackpad.

He explained that if anything unusual happens, I should contact Apple Support. He also demonstrated how the trackpad responds to finger movements, and the illustration on the display showed that it was functioning correctly, with no obvious fault.

However, on the 10th of June (yesterday), while using my MacBook, I noticed that when I pressed the trackpad, the cursor moved unexpectedly from one place to another. I can’t say this happens often, but it does seem like there might be a potential fault with the trackpad.

As a result, I plan to contact Apple Support again, request them to perform Apple Capture (or screen recording diagnostics), and send them the evidence to determine whether there is indeed a problem.

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