Australian Spy Chief Warns of Chinese Cyberattacks Targeting Critical Infrastructure
CANBERRA – China is engaged in ongoing cyberattacks aimed at sabotaging Australia’s critical infrastructure, according to warnings issued by Australia’s Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) director-General Mike Burgess. Burgess revealed the sustained campaign during a recent speech,highlighting the potential for disruption to essential services,economic damage to australian companies,and even interference in democratic processes.
Burgess stated Chinese officials routinely lodge complaints with the australian government and private sector whenever he publicly discusses China’s activities, a tactic he vowed would not deter him. The warning comes amid escalating tensions and a series of concerning incidents demonstrating assertive Chinese actions in the region.
The ASIO chief’s revelations follow reports of a important Chinese hacking operation targeting Australian government and company networks. US officials have urged Americans to utilize encrypted messaging apps to mitigate the risk of Chinese interception of communications.while US authorities believe no classified communications were compromised, a senior US official indicated the scale of China’s access posed an “ongoing compromise” risk. China has denied obligation for the alleged hack.
In a separate incident earlier this year, australian authorities were alerted to live-fire drills conducted by Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea only after a Virgin Australia pilot notified Airservices Australia.The drills prompted 49 flights to alter their routes.
Burgess cautioned that Australian companies could face crippling consequences as competitors benefit from the cyber espionage, and elections could be vulnerable to interference. The incidents underscore growing concerns about China’s increasingly assertive posture and its willingness to employ both conventional and unconventional tactics to advance its interests.
