What is Hermit spyware and how do you protect yourself from it?

A few days ago, articles (including ours) about the Hermit spyware appeared to pique reader interest.

Described in detail by Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG), the Hermit spyware (it was dubbed Hermit by security firm Lookout, which first reported its discovery) is part of a dangerous and sophisticated malware attack that's...