Hermit

Why in the News?

Hermit, the Pegasus-like spyware that’s targeted Android, iOS devices

1.About

• A SOPHISTICATED spyware called Hermit is in the news for targeting iPhones and Android devices in Italy and Kazakhstan. Its deployment was first reported by researcher satthe Lookout, a San Francisco-based cybersecurity firm. 

• Then, Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) put out a detailed blog post last week explaining how they believed Hermit was being used to target devices.

2.Working of Hermit

• Hermit is a spyware on the lines of Pegasus by the NSO Group.

• Once installed on a device, it can record audio on the device, and carryout unauthorised calls.

• According to Lookout,the spyware can steal stored account emails, contacts, browser bookmarks/searches,calendar events,etc.

• It can also take pictures on the device, steal device information such as details about applications, the kernel information ,model, manufacturer ,OS, security patch, phone number. 

• The spyware can also upload files from the device, read notifications,and take pictures of the screen. 

• Further, it has the ability to download and install APK (the app software files on Android) on a compromised phone.