Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Mike Burgess, stated that Australia is currently facing its highest-ever threat from espionage and foreign interference. Burgess emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting that the threat is real, present, and more extensive than perceived. He revealed the existence of a particular foreign intelligence service, referred to as “the A-team,” with a focused agenda on Australia. This group successfully recruited a former Australian politician, who betrayed their country and colleagues to advance the interests of the foreign regime.
Burgess disclosed tactics employed by foreign spies, including luring Australian academics and political figures to overseas conferences as a cover for building relationships. Some attendees were unknowingly targeted, with spies directly inquiring about their access to government documents. Despite these threats, Burgess highlighted ASIO’s counteractions, including direct contact with the A-team, where they tricked the leader into revealing themselves during an online interaction. The director general stressed the importance of cybersecurity, noting that cyber threats pose immediate, low-cost, and high-impact risks to critical infrastructure networks.
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