Google is urging Android and Apple users to be aware of a powerful new spyware targeting their devices.
Known as Hermit, the threat is invading phone and tablets, warns Benoit Sevens and Clement Lecigne of Google's Threat Analysis Group.
Once installed the spyware can read your emails, text messages, and log your calls.
It can also harvest pictures and videos, as well as tracking your location.
Hermit is reported to have been used by foreign state-sponsored operatives to target specific individuals, reports Wales Online.
According to TechCrunch, Hermit works on all versions of Android, and can grant itself even more privileges on your device.
The malware will load itself onto your device if you follow the link in a fake text message.
Google has obtained a copy of the malware designed for Apple devices and all attacks started with a unique link.
They added: "Once clicked, the page attempted to get the user to download and install a malicious application on either Android or iOS.
In some cases, we believe the actors worked with the target’s ISP to disable the target’s mobile data connectivity.
"Once disabled, the attacker would send a malicious link via SMS asking the target to install an application to recover their data connectivity."
Google has started contacting people whose devices have been infected.
Apple is working on a fix for the security breaches that allowed the malware to be installed.
In a blog post, Google said it has so far identified victims in Italy and Kazakhstan.
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