Australia’s intelligence chief has sounded a stark warning: foreign nations are stepping up efforts to sabotage the country’s critical infrastructure. From AI-driven disinformation to military espionage, the threats are mounting, and the consequences could be severe.
Foreign States Poised to Strike Critical Infrastructure
Australia’s top intelligence official, Mike Burgess, is not mincing words. In his annual threat assessment delivered on Feb. 19, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) detailed an increasingly hostile landscape where adversaries are laying the groundwork for future cyberattacks.
“Critical infrastructure is the primary target [of nation-states] in the cyber domain,” says Casey Ellis, founder of Bugcrowd, adding that 11% of cybersecurity incidents in Australia last year were aimed at these essential systems. The parallels with U.S. cyber threats are impossible to ignore.
Burgess warned that some foreign cyber units are actively mapping Australian infrastructure, quietly embedding themselves in networks. Their goal? To plant malware, sustain access, and strike at a moment’s notice.
Artificial Intelligence: A New Weapon for Disinformation and Espionage
AI is making it easier than ever to spread falsehoods, and intelligence agencies are taking notice. Burgess highlighted the growing risk of AI-driven disinformation campaigns and deepfakes that could destabilize institutions, erode public trust, and manipulate public opinion.
The ability of AI to collect and analyze massive pools of personal data is another major concern. Intelligence agencies fear that foreign powers are stockpiling personal information to strengthen espionage efforts, track key individuals, and influence decision-making at the highest levels.
This isn’t speculation. It’s already happening. Major corporations—especially those from authoritarian states—have a history of scraping unauthorized data from the internet. When combined with AI, that data becomes a powerful tool for manipulation and control.
Military Personnel Targeted—Even Through Gifts
Foreign intelligence services are getting creative with their espionage tactics. According to Burgess, Australian military personnel have been approached both online and in person by foreign agents. Some were even handed gifts by international counterparts, only to later discover that the presents contained hidden surveillance devices.
AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US, has become a prime target for foreign intelligence collection. Burgess revealed that even nations considered friendly to Australia have sought classified details about AUKUS capabilities.
Some key concerns include:
- Espionage on defense projects: Foreign spies are working to uncover classified details about Australia’s military advancements.
- Compromising key personnel: Australian defense workers are being targeted for recruitment, sometimes without even realizing it.
- Undermining alliances: Intelligence agencies are attempting to create distrust among Australia’s allies.
Russia’s Playbook and the Future of Cyber Warfare
Russia’s cyberattacks against Ukraine have provided a clear example of how critical infrastructure can be weaponized during conflicts. Burgess pointed to this as a warning sign, emphasizing that Australia cannot afford to be complacent.
But this isn’t just a wartime threat. Even in peacetime, foreign governments are making moves to position themselves for future cyber strikes. The ASIO chief made it clear that these regimes are becoming more determined—and more capable—of pre-positioning malware within key Australian networks.
One recent case underscored the severity of the situation. ASIO, working alongside U.S. intelligence agencies, uncovered a foreign cyber unit attempting to infiltrate critical infrastructure in both countries. The joint operation successfully removed the hackers, but it’s a reminder that Australia’s networks remain a prime target.
What’s Next? The Uncertain Cyber Landscape
Burgess’ latest report underscores the growing geopolitical tensions playing out in cyberspace. With AI amplifying threats and nation-states refining their tactics, the risks to Australia’s security are only increasing.
The question is not whether foreign actors will attempt to disrupt critical infrastructure, but when they will make their move. For now, Australia remains in a high-stakes digital arms race—one that demands constant vigilance.
