Sabotage of Australia's biggest telco network is a significant issue, Telstra's head of cyber security says.
Mike Burgess says the recent shutdown of French television channel TV5Monde by self-proclaimed Islamic State militants shows the dangers posed by issue-motivated groups.
"The French example was a good one," he told reporters on Thursday.
"The cyber threat is very real, it's a significant issue.
"If anyone ever says to you they've got it 100 per cent covered or 100 per cent security, I'd be very suspicious."
Before joining Telstra in 2013, Mr Burgess was in charge of cyber and information security at the Australian Signals Directorate.
He had spent two decades with the federal agency, previously known as the Defence Signals Directorate, charged with collecting foreign communications intelligence.
He said increasing connectivity and rapid technological advancements meant cyber crime, protest and espionage could happen at an unprecedented pace and scale.
"Collectively, we'll have more to do to manage this risk more effectively," Mr Burgess said.
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