Explained: What is Hermit, the Pegasus-like spyware that targeted Android, iOS devices?

What is the News?

Hermit is the latest sophisticated spyware in the news, and it is believed to have targeted iPhones and Android devices in Italy and Kazakhstan.

What is Hermit?

Hermit is a spyware developed by the Italian commercial spyware vendor RCS Lab.

How does Hermit spread?

The spyware is distributed by text message which looks like coming from a legitimate source. The malware can impersonate other apps that are developed by telecom companies and manufacturers which tricks the victim to download the malware.

How does it affect devices?

Hermit can infect both Android and iOS devices. It is similar to the Pegasus spyware by NSO Group

Once installed on a device, it can record audio on the device, carry out unauthorized calls and many unauthorized activities. 

It can also steal data from the target’s calendar and address book apps, as well as take pictures with their phone’s camera. It also has the capability to root an Android device.

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: What is Hermit, the Pegasus-like spyware that targeted Android, iOS devices?” published in Indian Express on 29th June 2022