After Pegasus came the new spyware Hermit
Recently cloud-based security company Lookout has discovered a new spyware named 'Hermit Spyware'. Hermit spyware is capable of affecting Android and iOS devices. As per TechCrunch’s report, security researchers at Lookout have reported that national governments in Kazakhstan and Italy have used the Android version of Hermit spyware in "targeted attacks".
◾️ Hermit
Hermit is a commercial spyware and has been used by governments in Northern Syria, Kazakhstan and Italy. It was first detected in Kazakhstan in April 2022, when the government violently suppressed protests against its policies. It was also used for anti-corruption investigations in the north-eastern Kurdish region of Syria and by Italian authorities.
The Hermit Android app is distributed via text message. The message seems to be coming from a legitimate source. Malware can impersonate telecommunications companies and other apps developed by manufacturers such as Oppo and Samsung. The Hermit Android malware is modular because it allows spyware to download additional components that are required for the malware to run.
Like other spyware, Hermit malware also uses various modules to record audio as well as collect call logs, messages, photos, emails. It can redirect phone calls and reveal the exact location of the device.