Security firm Symantec has warned about groundbreaking malware that has been used to spy on international targets for six years.



Called Regin, the backdoor malware is "a complex piece of malware whose structure displays a degree of technical competence rarely seen."

This piece of customizable malware has been used to spy on government organizations, infrastructure operators, businesses, academics and individuals.




Symantec said: "Regin is a highly complex threat which has been used in systematic data collection or intelligence gathering campaigns. The development and operation of this malware would have required a significant investment of time and resources, indicating that a nation state is responsible."

"The discovery of Regin highlights how significant investments continue to be made into the development of tools for use in intelligence gathering," the security firm said. "Symantec believes that many components of Regin remain undiscovered and additional functionality and versions may exist."