The head of Australia's foreign intelligence and cybersecurity agency has lifted the lid on the top-secret operations as he kick-starts a recruitment drive.
Australian Signals Directorate director-general Mike Burgess has revealed that his officers helped shape a crucial battle at the height of the fight against the so-called Islamic State.
Just as coalition forces were preparing to attack the militants, his team were at their keyboards in Australia, disabling the extremist group's command and control networks.
It was the first time an offensive cyber operation had been conducted so closely alongside military officers in the field.
"Without reliable communications, the enemy had no means to organise themselves, and the coalition forces regained the territory," Mr Burgess said.
Using broken English, she eventually convinced the man to abandon his plans for jihad and move to another country, where partner agencies ensured he was no longer a threat.
