Kaspersky describes these two elements as "masterpieces," and for good reason. For one, it's no mean feat to run hostile kernel code without crashes. Slingshot also stores its malware files in an encrypted virtual file system, encrypts every text string in its modules, calls services directly (to avoid tripping security software checks) and even shuts components down when forensic tools are active. If there's a common method of detecting malware or identifying its behavior, Slingshot likely has a defense against it. It's no wonder that the code has been active since at least 2012 -- no one knew it was there.

The malware can effectively steal whatever it wants, including keyboard strokes, network traffic, passwords and screenshots. It's not certain how Slingshot gets into a system besides taking advantage of the router management software, but Kaspersky pointed to "several" instances

The combination of this sophistication with the spying focus led Kaspersky to believe that it's likely the creation of a state agency -- it rivals the Regin malware GCHQ used to spy on Belgian carrier Belgacom. And while text clues hint that English speakers might be responsible, the culprit isn't clear. Just shy of 100 individuals, government outfits and institutions fell prey to Slingshot in countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Libya and Turkey. It could be one of the Five Eyes countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US) keeping watch on nations with significant terrorism issues, but that's far from certain.

Slingshot should be fixed as of recent MikroTik router firmware updates. The concern, as you might guess, is that other router makers might be affected. If they are, there's a possibility that Slingshot has a far wider reach and is still taking sensitive data.