A consistent, high CPU utilization during off-peak hours on a workstation that normally performs low-intensity tasks is unusual and could indicate the presence of unauthorized or malicious activity, such as malware. Malicious software, like crypto-mining malware, can hijack system resources for processing power, causing prolonged high CPU usage. Rogue processes or unauthorized software might not always be obvious during routine operations, hence the anomaly during off-peak hours could be more easily detected. In contrast, expected system updates or backups would generally not max out processor utilization to such an extent or for an extended duration, especially if they are correctly configured to minimize performance impacts during off-peak hours. An increase in legitimate user activity would typically not occur during off-peak hours, and while a failing hardware component may occasionally cause increased CPU usage, it would be accompanied by other signs such as system instability, rather than merely high processor consumption.