BREAKING: Australian government and private sectors hit by major cyber attack

·

Australia is currently being hit with a massive cyber attack by a “sophisticated, state-based cyber actor”, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

“This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure,” Mr Morrison told reporters Canberra.

“We know it is a sophisticated, state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used. Regrettably, this activity is not new. Frequency has been increasing.”

Mr Morrison said the government was announcing the issue today “not to raise concerns in the public’s mind but to raise awareness in the public’s mind”.

Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Australian Federal Gov.

He said so far there had been no large-scale data breaches of Australians’ personal information as a result of the attacks.

“This is the world that we live in. These are the threats that we have to deal with. The fact that these threats present is not a surprise in this world in which we now live and the actions that we are taking are the actions that we need to take and we will continue to be as ever vigilant as we possibly can,” he said.

The ABC reports that China is behind the malicious attacks, yet Mr Morrison said the Federal Government would not be making “any public attribution” about the attack.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the attacks were “not new” but the “frequency has been increasing … over many months”.

“It hasn’t just started,” he said.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 18: Prime Minister Scott Morrison during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House, on June 18, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

“This is a constant threat to Australia, as it is to many other nations and you would be aware of many other nations having highlighted similar activity in their jurisdictions. This has been a constant issue for Australia to deal with and so I wouldn’t say that there has been any one event or any one instance.”

He said it had been an “issue of ongoing management, defence and cooperation, working with private operators, other governments, all levels of government and other organisations”.

Mr Morrison said the Opposition had been notified last night, as had state and territory premiers and chief ministers.

“A number of them have already been involved working with our agencies on these issues,” he said.

“In addition to that there will be further technical briefings conducted with the states and territories today.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

What will it take to save Greek language in Australia?

Italian Greeks first proposed the creation of International Greek Language Day on February 9to celebrate the rich history of the Greek language.

Biracial families keeping Greek culture and language alive for the next generation

One recurring question when discussing Australia’s Hellenic community is how the next generation will be affected. Will they hold onto the language?

Professor Giorgos Babiniotis: ‘The Greek language is not a tool; it is a value system’

International Greek Language Day, celebrated annually on February 9, pays homage to the influence of the Greek language on human civilisation.

An ode to the Greek language by a teacher’s daughter

My mother, the teacher, always reminded me when we left Istanbul, where I was born, to come to Australia, for the sake of our language.

Niki Louca shares her favourite recipe for Lime Pistachio Cake

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for lime pistachio cake with The Greek Herald. 

You May Also Like

FIFA recommends all international matches cancelled as Euro 2020 approaches

Uefa has called an emergency meeting for Tuesday to discuss the possibility of postponing Euro 2020, after Fifa recommended that all impending internationals should be called off.

Viral TikTok reminds us of childhood sleepovers at yiayia and pappou’s house

Viral TikTok by Illiana Venetsanos saw ten grandchildren visit their yiayia and pappou’s home to surprise them for a sleepover.

The Block auctioneer Tom Panos could leave TV show amid ‘hidden’ costs

Appearing on Channel 9's The Block is not just a commitment of time and effort – it comes at a significant financial cost.