Australia is facing a significant threat from espionage and foreign interference, according to the country's intelligence chief, Mike Burgess. In a recent speech, Burgess warned that the threat is real, and it's not just about terrorism anymore. The director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) revealed that his agency has been tracking a particular team of spies, known as "the A-team", who are targeting Australians with access to sensitive information.
These spies are using sophisticated tactics, including posing as consultants, head-hunters, and academics, to gather intelligence on Australia's trade, politics, economics, foreign policy, defense, and security. They're also using social media and professional networking sites to approach their targets, often with fake personas and promises of lucrative consulting opportunities. Burgess warned that this form of espionage is low-cost, low-risk, and can be conducted at scale, making it a significant threat to Australia's national security.
The ASIO chief also shared a real-life example of how the A-team operates, citing the case of an Australian who was approached by a spy posing as a consultant. The spy, who used the name "Sophy", offered the Australian a part-time consulting role and asked for insights into Australia's foreign policy and trade. Fortunately, ASIO intervened and prevented any sensitive information from being disclosed.
Burgess emphasized that Australians need to be aware of this threat and take steps to protect themselves. He encouraged people to be cautious when receiving unsolicited approaches, especially on social media and professional networking sites. He also reminded Australians that they have a responsibility to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The ASIO chief also highlighted the importance of intelligence-led disruptions, which involve using intelligence to disrupt the activities of adversaries. He cited the example of the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce, which has conducted over 120 operations to mitigate threats against Australia's communities, political systems, and classified information.
In addition to the threat from espionage and foreign interference, Burgess also warned about the risk of sabotage, particularly in relation to critical infrastructure. He noted that terrorists and spies are both interested in sabotage, and that the most immediate and low-cost vector for sabotage is cyber. ASIO is aware of one nation-state conducting multiple attempts to scan critical infrastructure in Australia and other countries, targeting water, transport, and energy networks.
Overall, Burgess's warning highlights the significant security threats facing Australia, and the need for Australians to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves. As the country's intelligence chief, he is urging Australians to be aware of the risks and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities ¹.