Australia’s top intelligence chief, Mike Burgess, delivered a stark warning on February 19 about escalating foreign cyber threats. In his annual assessment, the head of ASIO detailed how foreign nations are using AI for espionage and actively preparing to sabotage the country’s critical infrastructure. The alert highlights a growing digital arms race with potentially severe consequences for Australia’s national security and essential services.
Foreign States are Targeting Critical Systems
The director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Mike Burgess, made it clear that foreign adversaries are laying the groundwork for future cyberattacks. These hostile nations are not just probing for weaknesses; they are actively embedding themselves within essential networks.
According to Casey Ellis, founder of Bugcrowd, “Critical infrastructure is the primary target [of nation-states] in the cyber domain.” This is supported by data showing that 11% of all cybersecurity incidents in Australia last year were aimed at these vital systems. The goal of these foreign cyber units is to plant malware and maintain hidden access, allowing them to strike at a time of their choosing.
This strategy involves quietly mapping out Australian infrastructure to identify key vulnerabilities. By doing so, they can pre-position themselves to cause maximum disruption when ordered, whether during peacetime or a future conflict.
AI is Emerging as a Powerful Espionage Tool
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the landscape of espionage and information warfare. Burgess highlighted the significant risk of AI-powered disinformation campaigns and deepfakes, which can be used to erode public trust, manipulate opinions, and destabilize democratic institutions.
Beyond disinformation, foreign powers are using AI to analyze vast amounts of personal data scraped from the internet. Intelligence agencies fear that adversaries are stockpiling this personal information to enhance their espionage operations. This data allows them to track individuals of interest, identify potential recruits, and influence high-level decision-making.
This is not a future threat; it is happening now. Major corporations, particularly those linked to authoritarian states, are known to collect unauthorized data, which becomes a formidable weapon for manipulation when processed by advanced AI systems.
Espionage Tactics are Growing More Sophisticated
Foreign intelligence services are employing increasingly creative and bold tactics to gather information. ASIO has confirmed that Australian military personnel are being targeted both online and in person by foreign agents attempting to recruit them or extract sensitive details.
In one alarming example, Burgess revealed that military personnel were given gifts by international counterparts that contained hidden listening devices. This highlights the lengths to which adversaries will go to spy on Australia’s defense capabilities.
The AUKUS security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US has become a major focus for spies. Key concerns raised by ASIO include:
- Espionage on defense projects: Foreign agents are actively trying to steal classified information about Australia’s advanced military technology.
- Compromising key personnel: Efforts are underway to recruit defense workers, who may not even be aware they are being targeted.
- Undermining alliances: Adversaries are working to sow discord and create distrust between Australia and its strategic partners.
Even nations considered friendly to Australia have been caught trying to obtain classified information about the AUKUS partnership.
Lessons from Russia and the Looming Threat
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has served as a real-world demonstration of how cyberattacks on infrastructure can be used as a weapon of war. Burgess cited Russia’s playbook as a critical warning for Australia, stressing that the country cannot afford to be complacent about its own defenses.
ASIO made it clear that these foreign regimes are becoming more determined and capable of pre-positioning malware within key Australian networks. This threat is not limited to wartime scenarios; the groundwork is being laid even during periods of peace.
A recent joint operation between ASIO and U.S. intelligence agencies successfully dismantled a foreign cyber unit that was attempting to infiltrate critical infrastructure in both nations. While the hackers were removed, the incident serves as a potent reminder that Australia’s networks are a constant and high-value target in an uncertain global landscape.
