Bishop confirms govt agency cyber attack

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has confirmed the government's Bureau of Meteorology suffered a malicious cyber attack last year.

The Bureau of Meteorology was the target of a cyber attack last year, the government has confirmed. (AAP)

The Bureau of Meteorology was the target of a cyber attack last year, the federal government has confirmed.

The revelation comes as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull prepares to unveil the government's cyber security strategy which includes offensive capabilities to deter attacks from overseas.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, speaking to reporters on the NSW South Coast on Thursday, confirmed reports BOM experienced a malicious cyber attack but would not reveal if it came from China.