Australia Spy Chief Warns of China Hackers Probing Networks
Australia’s top intelligence official has publicly accused Chinese state-sponsored hackers of actively probing the nation’s critical communications and infrastructure networks, warning of potentially devastating consequences.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese hacking groups Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon are targeting Australian infrastructure
- Same groups compromised US critical networks for potential sabotage
- Australia’s 2018 Huawei ban cited as crucial security measure
- China denies allegations, files diplomatic protest
Critical Infrastructure Under Threat
Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), revealed in a Melbourne financial regulation conference that while the US remains the primary target, Chinese state-linked actors have significantly widened their scope to include Australia.
“We have seen Chinese hackers probing our critical infrastructure,” Burgess stated, specifically identifying the Volt Typhoon group. He noted the same hackers had “compromised American critical infrastructure networks to pre-position for sabotage.”
Multiple Threat Groups Active
Another state-sponsored Chinese hacking collective, Salt Typhoon, has been actively probing Australian telecommunications networks while successfully penetrating US systems for espionage purposes, according to the intelligence chief.
Burgess explained that cyber-enabled espionage appeals to foreign intelligence agencies due to its low-cost, high-impact nature, combined with deniability and scalability. Both Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon operate under Chinese government intelligence and military direction.
“Once access is gained — the network is penetrated — what happens next is a matter of intent not capability,” Burgess warned. “I do not think we — and I mean all of us — truly appreciate how disruptive, how devastating, this could be.”
International Warnings and Chinese Denial
Australian and allied intelligence services had warned earlier in 2024 that Volt Typhoon had maintained access to critical industry networks for years. The Chinese government consistently denies involvement in hacking or cyber espionage operations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun responded to Burgess’s comments by accusing the Australian official of “repeatedly hurled attacks at China, spread disinformation and deliberately provoked confrontation.” Beijing has filed a formal diplomatic protest over the matter.
5G Security Precedent
Burgess referenced Australia’s landmark 2018 decision to exclude Chinese firms from building the nation’s 5G network, describing telecommunications as “at the top of the nation’s most critical infrastructure list.”
This prompted the exclusion of “high-risk” vendors including Huawei Technologies Co., a security move subsequently adopted by numerous countries worldwide.
