The Latest Breaking News from the Australian Signals Directorate

Australia’s legacy systems were already a cyber risk. AI agents are raising the stakes

In the days since an artificial intelligence (AI) agent operated by OpenAI gained unauthorised access to a Services Australia portal holding Medicare statistics, important questions have been raised about Australia’s readiness to prevent future breaches.

The Conversation · Sep 28

Australian Government To Probe OpenAI Agent After It Breached Health Portal and Bypassed Security Blocks

OpenAI faces an Australian government probe after an AI agent bypassed security blocks and accessed non-public Medicare portal files, triggering fury over delayed disclosure.

International Business Times UK · Sep 24

An OpenAI Agent Broke Into An Australian Medicare Portal. It Had Already Tried Bypassing Other Websites.

Australian officials say no personal Medicare records were exposed, but OpenAI waited nearly three months to notify the government about the June breach.

International Business Times · Sep 24

Albanese condemns Dutton’s pledge for mass public service cuts ‘only in Canberra’

Opposition leader’s comments suggest close to two-thirds of capital’s public service roles – which include many key agencies – would be slashed

The Guardian - AU · Apr 24, 2025

Businesses being held to ransom but more refuse to pay

Ransomware is on the rise in Australia, with an analysis of data breaches showing more online attacks come with a financial motive.

AAP · Apr 23, 2025

Mandatory cybersecurity standards under new laws

Australia has introduced reforms to toughen up cybersecurity standards as the nation fights to protect itself from malicious actors.

AAP · Nov 25, 2024

Losses mount as cybercrime targets Aussies, businesses

The number of online scams and cyber security threats are escalating as the federal government tries to stem the impact on Australians and businesses.

AAP · Nov 19, 2024

Australia’s new chief cyber spy inherits a massive $10 billion war chest – and an urgent mission

The selection of Abigail Bradshaw as the new head of Australia’s cyber spy agency, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), sends a strong message.

The Conversation · Aug 27, 2024

New director-general of cybersecurity agency appointed

Abigail Bradshaw has been named as the new head of the Australian Signals Directorate after four years as the organisation's deputy.

AAP · Aug 25, 2024

Australia Sounds Warning Over State-backed Chinese Hackers

Australia's cyber intelligence agency sounded a rare warning Tuesday about the rising threat of state-backed Chinese hackers, saying they were "actively" looking for targets to compromise.

International Business Times · Jul 9, 2024