FlagPost: Meeting the challenges of cyber-security

"Just weeks after the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, announced the establishment within the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) of a ‘specialist cyber investigations unit to investigate and provide advice on state-sponsored cyber attack against, or involving, Australian interests’,"

ASIO's info records found flawed

"Concerns over the way ASIO handles its paperwork have been revealed by the spy agency's watchdog."

Aviation Business: Australian aviation security under the spotlight at AVSEC 2011

"We’ve done a range of vulnerability assessments in conjunction with ASIO."

PM's email safe from hacker attack | The Australian

"JULIA Gillard has played down the significance of a cyber attack on the parliamentary email system, saying all her high-level work was done on a more secure computer network."

Chinese hackers suspected in email breach - Connect - NZ Herald News

"'Today, we see constant attempts by cyber means to steal the nation's secrets, as well as information vital to the effective operation of critical national industries and infrastructure, not to mention commercial intelligence and criminal fraud,' said David Irvine, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)."

Port Arthur Massacre | FIRETOWN!

"ASIO were on the scene too quickly making it look like they had fore knowledge. How soon was ASIO on the scene after the incident? What is meant by ‘ASIO screened out some people’?"

ASIO plugs national security gap | thetelegraph.com.au

"SPY agencies moved to plug a major national security hole in the Federal Parliament after it was discovered computers of several Cabinet ministers had been hacked - including Prime Minister Julia Gilla"

Oz parliamentary network breached • The Register

"In a security breach that presumably now has Chinese spies trawling through the kind of letters MPs do their best to deflect or ignore, the Australian Parliament House network has been invaded."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's office passwords pose security risk as ASIO investigates | The Australian

"The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation is said to have begun an investigation."

Heiler Software Opens Australian Doors with $1M Macquarie Telecom Signing

"Macquarie Telecom was selected in the tender based on the strength of its offering and support structure; which will enable business expansion in Australia. Central to the agreement was Macquarie Telecom's breadth of Australian and International certifications for hosting high availability mission critical government systems and applications, including ASIO T4 and ISO 27001; a stringent requirement for Government hosting."

Mining projects likely targets of hacking of ministers' emails, say experts | The Australian

"SECURITY experts believe Chinese hackers may have been looking for clues on government attitudes to major resource projects in a major security breach of senior government ministers' emails."

Chinese Spies Suspected Of Hacking PM’s Emails | Gizmodo Australia

"Misses the point – at that level passwords are not the answer."

Our spies take on the cyber guerillas | thetelegraph.com.au

"THE motto of the Defence Signals Directorate, Australia's key military intelligence agency, is bold: 'Reveal their secrets, protect our own.'"

China spies suspected of hacking Julia Gillard's emails | News.com.au

"An investigation is now believed to be under way by ASIO after Australian intelligence agencies were tipped off to the cyber-spy raid by US intelligence officials within the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

feature | Thomas Shepherd « Overland literary journal

"Thomas Shepherd worked for over fifteen years as a ‘sparrow’, an undercover ASIO agent spying on the Left. The experience ruined his life."

Parallel lives « Overland literary journal

"Regular readers might remember an extraordinary interview in Overland 196 with a man called Thomas Shepherd, who had been an undercover agent for ASIO inside various left-wing organisations for over fifteen years."

Government passwords cracked in probe

"A number of passwords used by four federal government agencies - including the prime minister's department - are easily cracked using 'brute force' hacking tools, an official audit report has found."

Jailed Burmese refugees: ‘We came here for freedom’ | Green Left Weekly

"Since May, they have been told ASIO was undertaking “security checks”. ASIO, the immigration department and ministers have ignored enquires about the cause of the delay. Some of were interviewed by ASIO for the first time last month."

Secrecy shrouds ASIO office safety

"DANGEROUS work practices and shoddy construction at one of the country's most top secret building sites - ASIO's new office in Canberra - are being covered up because of onerous secrecy provisions, according to the construction union."

Lateline Business - 24/03/2011: Huawei launches charm offensive

"The Australian also reported that ASIO officers met Australian Huawei officials who told them the company was employing technicians with direct links to the Chinese Army."

Irrational detention policies' price is too high

"ASIO checks take up to a year and ''in 99 per cent of these cases'', say government sources, confirm department intelligence. In any case, Australia freely accepts huge numbers of visitors without security checks."

ASIO enters the cyber fray to reveal hackers

"The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has formed a new unit to deal with foreign computer hackers. ASIO had previously left computer security to the Defence Signals Directorate, but its powers are limited and it is not allowed to spy within Australia. The new initiative is necessary because of the growth of cyber espionage by foreign military interests."

Blame detention centres, not detainees - Eureka Street

"The length of detention and the consequent injury suffered by asylum seekers have been compounded by the Government decision to require security clearances from ASIO before releasing refugees into the community. Many people have remained locked up for over a year waiting for this clearance."

Private emails exposing agencies to cyber threat | The Australian

"The report reveals the Defence Signals Directorate has warned spies could target public servants with 'socially engineered' emails, which appear legitimate by referring to the target's friends, or have been sent from a known email address."

WIKILEAKS: Australians Call For Legislation to Protect Whistleblowers — Global Geopolitics & Political Economy

"'It would not surprise me at all as ASIO reaches deep into the lives of many Australians, but keeps its activities secret from everyone, even the courts,' said Burnside told IPS."

Political Mavens » Keep Publishing those 1990s Memoirs, Establishmenters

"The Liberals and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had the misguided belief that the Croats could help in the identification of communists in Australia, who in the 1960s were factionalized, ineffective and posed no threat to national security."

Attorney General's Department - 23 March 2011 - Introduction of legislation to support national security agencies

"Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced legislation to further improve laws underpinning Australia’s national security and intelligence agencies."

WIKILEAKS: Australians Call For Legislation to Protect Whistleblowers - IPS ipsnews.net

"Sources within Wikileaks told the Melbourne-based ‘The Age’ newspaper that an Australian intelligence official privately warned them in August last year that Assange was the subject of inquiries by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)."

ASIO deal to shift refugees fast | The Australian

"THE federal government has done a deal with ASIO to clear a backlog of about 900 asylum-seekers by the end of next month, as authorities on Christmas Island continue to struggle to control rioters who have given negotiators six demands."

Perplexed by the CFMEU over the ASIO Trespasser? | The RiotACT

"Can anyone explain why the CFMEU is going to ‘make sure justice is done for both him (trespasser) and his family’ regarding the crook who broke into ASIO site and fell on his arse."

Crimes agency caught bypassing law

"The change, to Australia's Intelligence Services and ASIO acts, was among several amendments passed by the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, in Parliament yesterday."

Club Troppo » Let them out before they escape!

"Why can’t they begin the ASIO assessments as soon as an application for protection visa is made, instead of waiting until applicants have been found to be refugees? "

Bowen rules out asylum processing changes - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

"Many of the 900 people already assessed as genuine refugees are on Christmas Island, waiting only for their ASIO security clearances."

Attacking a growing cyber terrorism threat | The Australian

"Today, the national Computer Emergency Response Team works to improve cyber security for all Australian internet users and businesses.

CERT works closely with the Cyber Security Operations Centre, which identifies and responds to specific cyber incidents."

Time for cool heads and compassion

"I think the bureaucratic foot-dragging by ASIO is not incompetence, but a deliberate mechanism designed to provide a deterrent to those who might seek refugee status in Australia in future - 'Look at the distress we will put you through as a pre-requisite for being treated as a refugee here.'"

Man in hospital after ASIO break-in - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

"The Construction Union is demanding to know how a man gained entry to the top security ASIO construction site in Canberra."

Just what the doctorate ordered

"One notable example of a deeply conservative and influential Anglican was Brigadier Sir Charles Spry, then head of ASIO. Dr LeRoy says Sir Charles was part of a close-knit defence establishment elite in Melbourne known for its vehement anti-communism and its informal links with the Liberal Party."

Man falls at ASIO building site - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

"A teenager has spent 36 hours at the bottom of a concrete basement at the top security ASIO construction site in Canberra after illegally entering the premises."

What linguists want you to know, part I – Fully (sic)

"ASIO, one of Australia’s highest level defence and security organisations recently advertised for linguists."

ASIO deal to shift refugees fast | Perth Now

"THE federal government has done a deal with ASIO to clear a backlog of about 900 asylum-seekers by the end of next month, as authorities on Christmas Island continue to struggle to control rioters who have given negotiators six demands."

Assange told of ASIO snooping

"WIKILEAKS founder Julian Assange is believed to have been tipped off more than seven months ago about Australian intelligence scrutiny of his whistleblowing activities."

Bill ensures special powers for intelligence | The Jakarta Post

The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO): Intercepts communication, uses listening and tracking devices, remotely accesses computers, enters and searches premises, examines postal articles and the questioning of persons for the purpose of investigating terrorism."

Locking up refugees is big business | Green Left Weekly

"The announced detention expansion coincided with media reports about ASIO “security checks” prolonging the amount of time refugees are imprisoned. This adds to the overall numbers of those locked up and to the profits of the private contractors."

Anne Brown - Department of Defence

"Anne Brown is the First Assistant Secretary for ICT Development and is also the Australian Defence ICT Security Adviser."

UK helps Australia's cyber-spy unit get to work | Security Threats | ZDNet UK

"The UK is helping Australia's secret service to set up a special unit dedicated to fighting online threats, continuing an ongoing cybersecurity partnership between the countries."

Australia’s Spy Agency Stands Up Cyber Espionage Team - The New New Internet

"The Australian said ASIO has confirmed that adversarial intelligence services have used the Internet to steal classified government and business information,"

Attorney General's Department - 10 March 2011 - Address to the National Security College Senior Executive Development Course Dinner

"A key recommendation of the White Paper, the Counter Terrorism Control Centre (CTCC), was opened last year and represents an important development in the Government’s counter-terrorism effort."

Terror is in cyber attacks, says ASIO | The Daily Telegraph

"AN elite spy unit has been set up inside our lead intelligence agency, ASIO, to counter potential cyber terrorist attacks."

Top cop tells of shift in terror threat | The Australian

"THE terror threat posed by extremists is alive and well, says the head of the NSW Police counter-terrorism team, whose officers are now investigating 12 cases."

Security agencies key into cooperation

"New laws requiring Australia’s security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to cooperate, assist one another and share information have been welcomed by the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland."

Australian Sex Party Condemns Information Snooping Act - XBIZ Newswire

"MELBOURNE — The Australian Sex Party has condemned the Senate’s passing of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Act of 2010 claiming the measure gives sweeping new powers to the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO).

ASIO speech (part 1) | Greens MPs

"Part 1 of Senator Ludlam's speech on extending ASIO's powers."

AVN - Australian Sex Party Condemns Increase in ASIO Powers

"The Australian Sex Party has strongly criticized the passing of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Act 2010 through the Senate, which gives sweeping new powers to the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) of the kind that will be deployed against anti-censorship groups like WikiLeaks."

ASIO confirms resources pressure | Crikey

"As the federal government rushes to increase the capacity of its immigration detention centres to relieve pressure on its overloaded system, questions are being asked about the length of time taken by ASIO to complete security assessments of asylum seekers — nine hundred genuine refugees continue to languish in detention awaiting clearance."

Black activist feels heat in Cold War | Herald Sun

"JANE Fonda, Shirley Bassey and Jimmie Rodgers were among famous names caught up in a major ASIO surveillance operation against opera singer and actor Paul Robeson, declassified Cold War files reveal."

Support the Socialist Equality Party in the NSW state election!

"All spy agencies, including ASIO and ASIS, must be closed down. The armed forces and police forces—which around the world are being used to suppress the working class—must be disbanded."

Greens to block telco interception bill - Telecommunications Interception and Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2010, senator scot ludlum, senator George Brandis, Greens, ASIO - Security - Techworld

"The Greens will seek to block the Federal Government’s proposed Telecommunications Interception and Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2010, communications spokesperson, Scott Ludlam has told the Senate."

ASIO to share collected intelligence with other government bodies

"Australia's domestic spy agency will be able to pass on intelligence to other government bodies under draft laws passed by the Senate."

Senate approves new telecoms interception laws - Security - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au

"The Senate has passed a bill that would allow Australia’s spy agency, ASIO, to intercept communications on behalf of Federal, State and Territory law enforcement agencies."

Amendments to the Telecommunications Interception & Intelligence Services Legislation Enhances Closer Relationships Among Australia’s National Security Agencies | News 4 Us

"Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the passage through Parliament of legislation to enhance cooperation, assistance and information sharing between Australia’s security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies."

Telco interception bill needs 'major repairs' | Computerworld NZ

"The Australian Greens have called for an overhaul of the Federal Government’s Telecommunications Interception and Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 claiming the bill is in need of 'major repair'."

ASIO's security check logjam revealed - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

"ASIO is under pressure to explain why 900 asylum seekers are stuck inside detention centres waiting for months for their security checks to be completed."

Multi-talented ensemble features - Arts & Entertainment - Lifestyle - Northern District Times

"The ensemble are also featured in the forthcoming film about ASIO and the KGB in Australia during the 1950s and the 1960s."

AdNews: Cyber security fight turns to recruitment drive

"The Defence Signals Directorate (DSD), Australia's authority on cyber and information security, has appointed brand communication agency Ink Project to create a recruitment campaign."

Union hunts for 'bogus' workers - Local News - News - General - The Canberra Times

"Union officials have fronted up to major construction sites around Canberra, demanding site access to look for exploited foreign workers and sham contractors."

Telco interception bill needs “major repairs” - The Australian Greens, Telecommunications Interception Bil, senator scott ludlum, Australian Privacy Foundation (APF), Australian Privacy Commissioner, Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), ASIO - Techworld

"Greens call on the government to make wholesale changes to the bill to stop ASIO staff becoming a 'mercenary force' for government agencies"