Australia’s top spy chief has issued a serious warning about the rising dangers posed by Chinese hackers linked to government and military operations. Mike Burgess, head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), explained that these hackers are now capable of carrying out high-impact sabotage that could disrupt Australia’s essential services, from energy supplies to telecommunications networks.
Growing Cyber Threats from Chinese Hackers
Burgess said that espionage activities targeting Australia are at unprecedented levels. He warned that over the next five years, cyber-enabled disruptions could increasingly affect critical sectors. In particular, infrastructure related to water, transport, energy, and telecommunications is highly vulnerable.
While Burgess did not explicitly name China, he strongly implied that a specific nation-state is behind the threats, pointing out that Chinese hackers are actively scanning and attempting to infiltrate critical infrastructure in Australia and among its allied countries.
Rare enforcement: U.S. diplomat ousted for romantic involvement with Chinese national
The ASIO chief stressed that authoritarian regimes are becoming more willing to disrupt or even destroy essential services, creating serious risks for everyday life. According to Burgess, the threat is not just theoretical. Even small, unconnected outages in recent years have shown how fragile modern systems are, demonstrating that a coordinated attack could have far-reaching consequences for society.
Chinese Hacking Groups Targeting Australia
Burgess identified two key groups of Chinese hackers involved in these operations: Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon. These groups have previously carried out cyberattacks against telecommunications companies in both the United States and Australia. Burgess explained that Salt Typhoon mainly focuses on espionage, stealing sensitive information and intellectual property, whereas Volt Typhoon is more aggressive, aiming to disrupt or sabotage critical infrastructure networks.
The potential impact of even minor disruptions is substantial. Burgess highlighted that a short outage in telecommunications could affect communication, transport systems, and access to other essential services. He urged the public to consider extreme scenarios, such as a nationwide power failure during a heatwave or contamination of drinking water, which could have severe consequences for millions of people.
Short, unplanned outages in Australia have already revealed the vulnerabilities of the country’s infrastructure. Burgess warned that if Chinese hackers were able to simultaneously target all telecommunications networks or financial systems, the results could be catastrophic, affecting hospitals, banks, transport networks, and emergency services.
Financial and Technical Consequences
The financial costs of espionage are also significant. Burgess revealed that cyber espionage by Chinese hackers cost Australia an estimated A$12.5 billion (around $8.2 billion) during the 2023-24 fiscal year. This figure includes approximately A$2 billion worth of stolen trade secrets and intellectual property from Australian companies.
Burgess noted that these hackers are broadening their efforts to target private sector projects and negotiations, potentially giving foreign companies an unfair advantage in business and technology. Beyond corporate secrets, Chinese hackers are also targeting customer data, operating in ways similar to organized criminal groups.
Chinese Espionage Fears Trigger Tech Crackdown: India Imposes Tough New Rules on CCTV Industry
The ASIO chief described these attackers as highly skilled. Chinese hackers use advanced techniques to identify weaknesses in networks, gain access, and maintain long-term undetected control. Once inside, they carefully map out systems to prepare for potential sabotage. This advanced tradecraft allows them to strike at the most damaging moment, increasing the risk to national security and public safety.
Burgess’ statements underline that Australia’s critical infrastructure is under constant surveillance by highly capable Chinese hackers. By naming specific groups, highlighting vulnerable sectors, and detailing the financial and operational impact, Burgess painted a clear picture of the growing cyber threat facing the nation. The remarks serve as a stark warning about the seriousness of state-sponsored cyber espionage and the need for continued vigilance by both government and private organizations.