Foreign powers behind cyber attack on BoM, report reveals

A new report to be released by the Australian Cyber Security Centre will reveal last year's cyber attack on the Bureau of Meteorology was the work of a foreign power.

The Bureau of Meteorology website is displayed on a MacBook in Melbourne, Tuesday, April 28, 2015.(AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy) NO ARCHIVING

The Bureau of Meteorology website (AAP) Source: AAP

=The report, to be released on Wednesday, will also reveal last year's cyber attack on the Bureau of Meteorology was the work of a foreign power, which managed to install malicious software and steal sensitive documents.

Dan Tehan, the minister assisting the prime minister for cyber security, wouldn't specify which country, but said it showed cyber espionage was alive and well.

"We have to make sure that we're taking all the steps necessary to keep us safe, because the threat is there and the threat is real," he told ABC radio.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre says a recent series of brazen attacks on high-profile entities shows there's a willingness to use disruptive and destructive measures to seriously impeded or embarrass organisations and governments.

Local government networks suffered 1095 serious cyber assaults in the 18 months to June 30 this year, The Australian reported on Wednesday.

But the 2016 Threat Report warns this can rise and estimates that within three years terrorists will be able to compromise networks with destructive effect.

Mr Tehan said the threat of a cyber attack from terrorists is currently ranked low but acknowledged Australia's digital integrity was being increasingly tested.

"We are ahead of the terrorists now and that is where we must remain," he wrote in The Australian.


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP

Share this with family and friends


News

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Mandarin-speaking Australians.
Understand the quirky parts of Aussie life.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Simplified Chinese Collection

Simplified Chinese Collection

Watch onDemand