ASIO on alert for home-grown terrorist threat

ASIO on alert for home-grown terrorist threat:

"People intent on committing violent terrorist acts in Australia continue to talk in ''back rooms and in cars and on the streets'' and Australians continue to travel overseas to fight abroad or be trained by terrorists, according to the country's security chief."

'via Blog this'

Violent asylum seekers' security risk | Herald Sun

Violent asylum seekers' security risk | Herald Sun:

"ASYLUM seekers with violent histories are being released on bridging visas or into community detention - and one was even allowed to marry in detention and make home visits to his wife."

'via Blog this'

Coalition lashed for boat-people 'brain snap'

Coalition lashed for boat-people 'brain snap':

"A Coalition call for Sri Lankan boat arrivals to be sent straight back without processing has been labelled a "brain snap" by the Greens and "hypocritical" by the government."

'via Blog this'

Australia's nebulous borders - Eureka Street

Australia's nebulous borders - Eureka Street:

"While territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the Sea of Japan attract headlines, few Australians realise that their own country's borders are not as settled as commonly assumed."

'via Blog this'

Opposition calls for boats to be returned to Sri Lanka sparking angry response from Chris Bowen | Perth Now

Opposition calls for boats to be returned to Sri Lanka sparking angry response from Chris Bowen | Perth Now:

"THE Opposition's call to send asylum seekers back to Sri Lanka would put Australia in breach of its international obligations, Immigration Minister Chris Bowen says."

'via Blog this'

Oyster: The Story of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service | BookCrossing.com

Oyster: The Story of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service | BookCrossing.com:

"Oyster tells the story of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) from its birth to the present day. Its revelations are often shocking, occasionally amusing, but most of all essential reading for anyone wanting to know the secret role of Australia's own spy service."

'via Blog this'

www.canberratimes.com.au - When Murdoch fought Whitlam

www.canberratimes.com.au - When Murdoch fought Whitlam:

"AFTER the dismissal, Labor faced an unexpected third election in as many years, with a campaign to run and no money to run it. It was Whitlam's factional foe, the Victorian Left luminary Bill Hartley, who suggested that he could source half a million dollars, no strings attached."

'via Blog this'

NextDC opens Canberra data centre - Networking - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au

NextDC opens Canberra data centre - Networking - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au:

"NextDC has officially opened the doors of its C1 data centre in Canberra, its third facility in Australia to be brought online."

'via Blog this'

The World Today - Lawyer says detained Oceanic Viking translator is being 'punished' 30/08/2012

The World Today - Lawyer says detained Oceanic Viking translator is being 'punished' 30/08/2012:

"ELEANOR HALL: Almost three years on from the stand-off over the Oceanic Viking, a handful of asylum seekers who were on that vessel are still in detention."

'via Blog this'

Huawei's NBN olive branch | Technology Spectator

Huawei's NBN olive branch | Technology Spectator:

"The NBN debate took a rather unexpected turn this week as opposition communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull’s attempts to shed further light on the Coalition's NBN were somewhat overshadowed by the talk of Huawei potentially returning to take part in the NBN."

'via Blog this'

Australia's proposed Internet data retention law dubbed as 'characteristic of police state'

Australia's proposed Internet data retention law dubbed as 'characteristic of police state':

"Sydney, Aug. 29 (ANI): Proposed laws in Australia that would allow authorities to collect and store the web and telecommunications data of all citizens for two years has been dubbed as a 'characteristic of a police state'."

'via Blog this'

An Anonymous threat

who is the threat?

If the point of Anonymous is to remain anonymous and if ASIO or the AFP have identified the recent attack by "Anonymous" does this mean they know who carried it out and from where, or is it easy to just say it was from an anonymous source?

ASIO building

new ASIO building in Canberra, near to completion

Gillard and ASIO cheif David Irvine

Gillard and ASIO chief David Irvine:

Julia Gillard and ASIO chief David Irvine at yesterday's opening of the Australian Counter-Terrorism Control Centre in Canberra. Picture: Ray Strange Source: The Australian

'via Blog this'

Oakeshott 'surprised' at Coalition's Huawei pledge - Security - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au

Oakeshott 'surprised' at Coalition's Huawei pledge - Security - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au:

"Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has expressed surprise at a Coalition pledge to review Huawei's ban from NBN works should it come to power in the next election."

'via Blog this'

Are ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) worker's identities kept secret? - Yahoo! Answers

Are ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) worker's identities kept secret? - Yahoo! Answers:

"I would like to know if people who work for ASIO have to keep their job a secret. Are they allowed to tell people they work for ASIO at all or is it limited, like they can tell just their family? Thanks for helping me out :D"

'via Blog this'

Senate inquiry should investigate Tamil prosecutions, says lawyer | Green Left Weekly

Senate inquiry should investigate Tamil prosecutions, says lawyer | Green Left Weekly:

"Civil rights lawyer Rob Stary has called for a Senate inquiry into Australia's role in the war in Sri Lanka. Stary defended three Australian Tamil men charged with terrorism offences in 2007. He said such an inquiry would look at the reasons for the decision to prosecute the three."

'via Blog this'

Coalition govt would review Huawei ban

Coalition govt would review Huawei ban:

"A coalition federal government would review the ban on Chinese company Huawei taking part in the National Broadband Network (NBN), communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull says."

'via Blog this'

that's very liberal of them

www.watoday.com.au - Assange reports to remain secret

www.watoday.com.au - Assange reports to remain secret:

 "JULIAN Assange continues to be the subject of Australian intelligence reports more than a year after the WikiLeaks website published thousands of leaked US military and diplomatic documents."

'via Blog this'

Strategic Planner job ($66,272) in Canberra & ACT, ACT ( Government and Defence:State Government )

Strategic Planner job ($66,272) in Canberra & ACT, ACT ( Government and Defence:State Government ):

Recreation and Community Facilities ???

'via Blog this'

Cyber crackdown will lift costs, Huawei tells ALP | The Australian

Cyber crackdown will lift costs, Huawei tells ALP | The Australian:

"THE Chinese technology giant blocked from the National Broadband Network tender has issued a blunt warning to the Gillard government against using a proposed cyber-security crackdown to discriminate against firms purely because of their country of origin."

'via Blog this'

Murdoch offer for Whitlam footage - National News - National - General - Casey Weekly

Murdoch offer for Whitlam footage - National News - National - General - Casey Weekly:

"RUPERT Murdoch agreed to pay a small-time movie producer $125,000 if he delivered incriminating footage of former prime minister Gough Whitlam accepting a briefcase full of cash from Iraqis to pay Labor debts, according to a new Whitlam biography."

'via Blog this'

Rupert Murdoch | Gough Whitlam | Video, Photos, Interview

Rupert Murdoch | Gough Whitlam | Video, Photos, Interview:

"It was News Ltd's biggest scoop. The first of the stories designed to end Gough Whitlam's political career ran under the byline of 'A Special Correspondent'. Now the identity of that correspondent can finally be revealed."

'via Blog this'

Anonymous claims hack website Australian intelligence - Datanews.be

Anonymous claims hack website Australian intelligence - Datanews.be:

"The international hacker collective Anonymous claims to be the site of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian intelligence service, to have been hacked."

'via Blog this'

www.smh.com.au - How Murdoch wrote the final act in Gough saga

www.smh.com.au - How Murdoch wrote the final act in Gough saga:

"In this extract from her biography of Gough Whitlam, Jenny Hocking looks at the infamous 'Iraqi breakfast affair' and the involvement of a young Rupert Murdoch."

'via Blog this'

Aust companies left open to online attacks: Irvine | News | Business Spectator

Aust companies left open to online attacks: Irvine | News | Business Spectator:

"The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation has warned that local companies are increasingly susceptible to internet based attacks due to growing activity levels online, reports Fairfax Media."

'via Blog this'

Action urged on refugee detention

Action urged on refugee detention:

"THE Commonwealth Ombudsman has urged the Gillard government to find an urgent solution to deal with refugees deemed security threats by ASIO but whose mental and physical health is threatened by indefinite detention."

'via Blog this'

Most cyber attacks fly under our radar: Aussie spy chief | ZDNet

Most cyber attacks fly under our radar: Aussie spy chief | ZDNet:

"Five thousand cyber attacks have been reported to Australia's CERT this year, but the director-general of ASIO says that it's just the tip of the iceberg."

'via Blog this'

Time is ripe for cyber security rethink

Time is ripe for cyber security rethink:

"Recent cyber attacks on the Australian intelligence community serve as a timely reminder of the impact non-state actors can have in conducting politically motivated cyber attacks against the state. The emerging trend of unsanctioned non-state cyber actors (UNCAs) who claim to undertake malicious cyber activity on behalf of the state has implications for Australian national security policy and legislative frameworks."

'via Blog this'

PressTV - Threatened by Assange, West to revisit spy tricks

PressTV - Threatened by Assange, West to revisit spy tricks:

"In 1979, when the founder of the Islamic Republic Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini instructed revolutionary students to “capture the ‘Den of Espionage,’” the US embassy in Tehran, the United States and its allies responded by calling the act a violation of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations and Consular Affairs."

'via Blog this'

Opinion on Sonia? (vs Gretel?)

Opinion on Sonia? (vs Gretel?)

Behind Big Brother Forums: "Opinion on Sonia? (vs Gretel?)"

'via Blog this'

ASIO chief warns of business espionage

ASIO chief warns of business espionage:

"THE online revolution has left Australian companies increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks and commercial espionage, the nation's spy chief has warned."

'via Blog this'

Tamil refugees deny posing security threat | The Australian

Tamil refugees deny posing security threat | The Australian:

"THREE Tamil refugees facing indefinite detention after the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) ruled they are a security risk have denied they pose any threat to Australia."

'via Blog this'

ASIO chief warns of cyber threats to big business - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

ASIO chief warns of cyber threats to big business - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"The head of Australia's domestic intelligence organisation says governments and big business need to face up to the threat of cyber exploitation."

'via Blog this'

Nauru detainee scarred by his five years in hell | Perth Now

Nauru detainee scarred by his five years in hell | Perth Now:

"THE last asylum seeker to leave Nauru said life in the island detention camp was worse than living in war-torn Iraq."

'via Blog this'

Australian senator & US intelligence; the spy within Occupy: newly released GIF files… « Darker Net

Australian senator & US intelligence; the spy within Occupy: newly released GIF files… « Darker Net:

"Hundreds of new Global Intelligence Files, hacked by Anonymous and recently released by Wikileaks only two days after the Govt of Ecuador announced it was granting asylum to Julian Assange, the editor-in-chief of Wikileaks, provide more interesting reading. Here we present the link to the entire collection, plus links to selected batches. One of these batches provide further details on former Australian National Party senator, Bill O’ Chee, and his links to Stratfor, the private intelligence agency. Another batch of files exposes a spy within the New York Occupy movement. And there’s more…"

'via Blog this'

Australia's secret Assange files | smh.com.au

Australia's secret Assange files | smh.com.au:

"Julian Assange continues to be the subject of Australian intelligence reports more than a year after the WikiLeaks website published thousands of leaked US military and diplomatic documents."

'via Blog this'

Aust spies track Assange

Aust spies track Assange:

"Julian Assange continues to be the subject of Australian intelligence reports more than a year after the WikiLeaks website published thousands of leaked US military and diplomatic documents."

'via Blog this'

Hackers cripple ASIO site to protest web spy plan

Hackers cripple ASIO site to protest web spy plan:

"The notorious hacking group Anonymous crippled a computer server at the domestic spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and claimed the agency's website would be unavailable for the rest of the day."

'via Blog this'

High Court revisits asylum cases | The Australian

High Court revisits asylum cases | The Australian:

"THE last thing this federal government needs is more advice from the High Court on our immigration laws."

'via Blog this'

Roxon reportedly pushes back data retention law - Security - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au

Roxon reportedly pushes back data retention law - Security - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au:

"The Federal Government’s controversial data retention scheme has reportedly been stalled until after the next election."

'via Blog this'

Anonymous Targets Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) & Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) ~ VOGH- VOICE OF GREYHAT| Leading Resource of Cyber-Security,Hacking News

Anonymous Targets Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) & Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) ~ VOGH- VOICE OF GREYHAT| Leading Resource of Cyber-Security,Hacking News:

"Australian rampage of Anonymous continues, after took down of several Australian Government website & a massive data breach from Australian ISP named AAPT now the nuisance hacker collective group today attempted to hack into both the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) websites. The attack was took place in early Friday, and here also Anon enlisted this cyber attack among their F**k Friday rampage also known as #FFF. The hacker group claimed to have shut down a computer server belonging to Australia's domestic spy agency ASIO, reportedly briefly closing down access to its public webpage. On its Twitter feed Anonymous Australia (@AuAnon) wrote: "The anonymous Operation Australia hackers have today again been busy with further attacks on the ASIO and DSD website.""

'via Blog this'

Lateline - 13/08/2012: Tamils speak out against ASIO security rulings

Lateline - 13/08/2012: Tamils speak out against ASIO security rulings:

"Three Sri Lankan men who have been declared genuine refugees are fighting secret ASIO rulings preventing their release into the general community."

'via Blog this'

Big Brother's jihad bombshell | Herald Sun

Big Brother's jihad bombshell | Herald Sun:

"THE first man charged with terrorism in Australia after September 11 was in the running to be a Big Brother housemate and says he has been asked to reapply next year."

'via Blog this'

Anonymous: We Hacked Australia - The Daily Beast

Anonymous: We Hacked Australia - The Daily Beast:

"The shadowy online collective Anonymous said Friday that it had shut down a computer server at the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the country's spy agency. A spokesperson confirmed that the organization's public website, which went down for 30 minutes on Friday morning, had faced "technical issues," but that no classified information had been stolen. In recent days, Twitter accounts associated with Anonymous have described attacked on the ASIO and the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD). Its "Operation Australia" arm said it plans to stop the attacks, referred to as #TangoDown, at 10pm tonight."

'via Blog this'

Disentangling three national security inquiries. | Andrew Zammit

Disentangling three national security inquiries. | Andrew Zammit:

"I was recently asked whether the newly announced Council of Australian Government review of counter-terrorism laws, and the inquiry that resulted in Anonymous attacks on ASIO and DSD websites, were the same thing. They aren’t, but the three different national security inquiries currently happening can be easily confused."

'via Blog this'

Appeal puts terrorism author back behind bars

Appeal puts terrorism author back behind bars:

"THE notorious extremist and former Qantas baggage handler Bilal Khazal was back behind bars last night after the High Court reinstated his conviction for compiling a do-it-yourself terrorism manual that was published on the internet."

'via Blog this'

Danby responds to Magid article | J-Wire

Danby responds to Magid article | J-Wire:

"Robert Magid, publisher of the Australian Jewish News, appeared on ABC-TV’s Lateline last night following his article on comapssion for asylum-seekers. Labor Federal MP comments…"

'via Blog this'

Hackers cripple ASIO site to protest web spy plan

Hackers cripple ASIO site to protest web spy plan:

"The notorious hacking group Anonymous crippled a computer server at the domestic spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and claimed the agency's website would be unavailable for the rest of the day."

'via Blog this'

Gillard announces review of counter-terrorism legislation

Gillard announces review of counter-terrorism legislation:

"A LONG-AWAITED review of counter-terrorism laws Australia introduced after the London bombings is finally going ahead."

'via Blog this'

Spy Chiefs Photos

Spy Chiefs Photos:

"David Irvine, Director-General of Security, in charge of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)."

'via Blog this'

Wanted: locksmith to open doors to world of spy secrets

Wanted: locksmith to open doors to world of spy secrets:

"HANDY with a lock pick? Watched all the James Bond movies? Want to see the world, meet interesting people and break into their embassy to steal their secrets? The Australian Secret Intelligence Service might have the job for you."

'via Blog this'

How a Canadian spy scandal rocked ASIO - Late Night Live - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

How a Canadian spy scandal rocked ASIO - Late Night Live - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"A Canadian naval officer, Sub-Lieutenant Jeffrey Delisle, is alleged to have sold top secret intelligence to Russian agents and in the process is said to have done significant damage to the treasured intelligence-sharing relationships between western governments. None of the governments, including Australia, are commenting on the story. What are the ramifications of this breach for the intelligence community, especially here in Australia?"

'via Blog this'

U.S. Force Posture Strategy in the Asia Pacific Region

An Independent Assessment

'via Blog this'

Terrorists, spies stripped of their passports | News.com.au

Terrorists, spies stripped of their passports | News.com.au:

"FIVE suspected terrorists, sympathisers or spies have been stripped of their passports in the past year following advice from ASIO."

'via Blog this'

Australian Secret Intelligence Service – ASIS | Aussies At War

Australian Secret Intelligence Service – ASIS | Aussies At War:

"ASIS‘s primary goal is to obtain and distribute secret intelligence about the capabilities, intentions and activities of individuals or organisations outside Australia, which may impact on Australia’s interests and the well-being of its citizens."

'via Blog this'

***SYRIAN~WORLD WAR III ROLLING UPDATES***

***SYRIAN~WORLD WAR III ROLLING UPDATES***:

"Australian Secret Intelligence Service warns of CBRN threat
Published on July 19, 2012 by Pat Dulnier"

'via Blog this'

Watchdog warns over extending spies' power

Watchdog warns over extending spies' power:

"Australia's intelligence watchdog has declared she is on the lookout for whether a proposal to embark upon one of the biggest expansions of security powers in a decade will lead to an imbalance between state power and private rights."

'via Blog this'

Delisle Spy Case: Australia's known spy scandals, with Canadian connections, too | Full Comment | National Post

Delisle Spy Case: Australia's known spy scandals, with Canadian connections, too | Full Comment | National Post:

"As the trial of Jeffrey Delisle, Canadian Navy officer and alleged spy, resumes in Halifax, plausible reports have been emerging that the information reportedly improperly distributed by Delisle may have compromised Australian intelligence operations. The facility that Delisle worked at is involved in a little-known multi-lateral security agreement among the Anglosphere powers — the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. If Delisle was indeed providing information to a foreign power, believed to be Russia, there’s every reason to believe that some of that information may have originated in, or concerned, Australia."

'via Blog this'

Australia’s spies active in world’s strategic hotspots | StratRisks

Australia’s spies active in world’s strategic hotspots | StratRisks:

 "Source: Telegraph Daily
Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) chief Nick Warner gave the first-ever public speech by a director-general of the 60-year-old overseas spy agency last week. It was a calculated move by the Labor government to politically promote ASIS, Australia’s equivalent of the CIA. Warner said it was time to “raise public awareness” of ASIS’s “unique contribution” to “our foreign policy and security.”"

'via Blog this'

Canada spy case rocks ASIO

Canada spy case rocks ASIO:

"AN ALLEGED Canadian spy has compromised Australian intelligence information in an international espionage case that has sent shock waves through Western security agencies."

'via Blog this'

Australian government websites taken offline by Anonymous - security, data retention plan, Australian goverment websites, anonymous - CIO

Australian government websites taken offline by Anonymous - security, data retention plan, Australian goverment websites, anonymous - CIO:

"Hacktivist group says the attacks were in response to proposed data retention laws"

'via Blog this'

Ludlam: government paying "lip service" on data retention proposals - ozlog, data retention, Scott Ludlam - Computerworld

Ludlam: government paying "lip service" on data retention proposals - ozlog, data retention, Scott Ludlam - Computerworld:

"Data retention proposals by the Federal Government need to be more carefully thought through, according to Scott Ludlam"

'via Blog this'

Australia’s spies active in world’s strategic hotspots

Australia’s spies active in world’s strategic hotspots:

"Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) chief Nick Warner gave the first-ever public speech by a director-general of the 60-year-old overseas spy agency last week. It was a calculated move by the Labor government to politically promote ASIS, Australia’s equivalent of the CIA. Warner said it was time to “raise public awareness” of ASIS’s “unique contribution” to “our foreign policy and security.”"

'via Blog this'

Australians covertly monitoring Indonesian boat routes | The Australian

Australians covertly monitoring Indonesian boat routes | The Australian:

"AUSTRALIAN Secret Intelligence Service officers are involved in covert operations in Indonesia's remote eastern archipelago, gathering information to disrupt asylum-seeker boat departures."

'via Blog this'

History lesson: Australian Secret Intelligence Service - YouTube

History lesson: Australian Secret Intelligence Service - YouTube:

"ABC reporter Narda Gilmore takes a look at the Australian Secret Intelligence Service's history."

'via Blog this'

Australian foreign intelligence chief acknowledges cyber security threat - security, cyber terrorism, cyber security, ASIS - Security - Techworld

Australian foreign intelligence chief acknowledges cyber security threat - security, cyber terrorism, cyber security, ASIS - Security - Techworld:

"ASIS director general says advances in information technology and other technological innovations will be among the greatest risks to Australia's security in the next 10-15 years."

'via Blog this'

Threat of mass terror increasing: ASIS | The Australian

Threat of mass terror increasing: ASIS | The Australian:

"THE opportunities for terrorists to acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will increase over the coming decade, the head of Australia's overseas spy network has warned."

'via Blog this'

ASIO's getting the keys to your computer

ASIO's getting the keys to your computer:

"Man, we’re screwed. If the Greens are the only political actors standing between us and the government’s exciting new Orwellian surveillance laws it’s probably time to pack our bags and check into Room 101. Because both the government and opposition (which is soon to become the government by a crushing majority) seem very comfortable with the idea of letting ASIO get up real close and personal for a deep body rub-humping all over you online."

'via Blog this'

ASIS boss opens up on a kinder, gentler spy agency

ASIS boss opens up on a kinder, gentler spy agency:

"The Australian Secret Intelligence Service does not use violence, blackmail or threats in its work to protect Australia against terrorism and other security threats, according to the spy agency's chief, Nick Warner."

'via Blog this'

Be sceptical of vague new 'national security' powers - The Drum Opinion (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Be sceptical of vague new 'national security' powers - The Drum Opinion (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"Any proposal by the government to increase its own power should be treated with scepticism."

'via Blog this'

Opinion - The West Australian

Opinion - The West Australian:

"Stuff the carbon price. The country needs a cliche tax."

'via Blog this'

Daily Cuppa: hacks, back doors and data breaches | ZDNet

Daily Cuppa: hacks, back doors and data breaches | ZDNet:

"The weekend, tech news was filled with espionage, data breaches and even more hacks. Here's the news to get you ready for the week."

'via Blog this'

Correspondent with impeccable contacts

Correspondent with impeccable contacts:

"Distinguished war correspondent Denis Warner OBE CMG, who has died at the age of 94, is being remembered for predicting the infamous raid on ASIO's headquarters during the Whitlam years."

'via Blog this'

Why has the Right gone missing on the surveillance state? - Democratic Underground

Why has the Right gone missing on the surveillance state? - Democratic Underground:

"It took a while but Fairfax finally lumbered into action today on the remarkable proposals to dramatically expand government surveillance of Australians that are before the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, editorialising that intelligence agencies needed to explain why they want to retain Australians’ internet data, after its security specialist Dylan Welch had covered the proposals yesterday. "

'via Blog this'

Down Under-surveillance: Australian govt seeks confidential online data — RT

Down Under-surveillance: Australian govt seeks confidential online data — RT:

"Internet users in Australia may be forced to share every aspect of their online lives with the government. If passed into law, a new security measure would require service providers to retain customers’ phone and internet data online for two years."

'via Blog this'

Govt responds to data retention criticism | ZDNet

Govt responds to data retention criticism | ZDNet:

"The Federal Government has defended the need for intelligence agencies to have access to internet and phone records of Australians."

'via Blog this'

Australian authorities propose broad expansion of government surveillance powers.

Australian authorities propose broad expansion of government surveillance powers.:

"The list of countries seeking new Internet surveillance powers continues to grow. On Monday, Australian authorities revealed that they want a new “interception regime” enabling them to wiretap the Web—similar to plans outlined in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom."

'via Blog this'

Secret agency steps into the light

Secret agency steps into the light:

"THE head of Australia's overseas spy service, ASIS, will deliver the first public speech in the organisation's history next week, in order to commemorate the organisation's 60th anniversary."

'via Blog this'

Spy bid to keep our net data

Spy bid to keep our net data:

"The telephone and internet data of every Australian will be retained for up to two years and intelligence agencies would be given increased access to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, under a suite of new proposals from Australia's intelligence community."

'via Blog this'

Husband's plea to free ASIO 'risk'

Husband's plea to free ASIO 'risk':

"THE husband of Ranjini, the Sri Lankan mother of two boys who has been deemed a security risk by ASIO, is planning a personal appeal to the Immigration Minister, Chris Bowen, for her to be released into his care."

'via Blog this'

Notification of Subscriber Data Loss

Dear Subscriber

We are writing to notify you that the Department has been advised by a former external contractor that a DVD which included information provided by Stay Smart Online Alert Service subscribers was lost in Australia Posts’ system, after being posted on 11 April 2012. 

The external contractor provided the Alert Service on behalf of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (‘the Department’) from 2008 until 29 April 2012, when its contract with the Department expired.  As you may be aware, the Stay Smart Online Alert Service is currently being re-developed by the Department in collaboration with two new contractors. 

As part of the expiry of contract handover process, the original contractor advised that it copied its SSO Alert Service subscriber database onto a DVD and, on 11 April 2012, posted this DVD to the Department using Australia Post’s express post service. Unfortunately, this DVD was never received by the Department. The original contractor has informed the Department that information on the missing DVD included subscribers’: usernames; email addresses; memorable phrases; and passwords which are unreadable (as cryptographic hash).  

The Department has no reason to believe that this information has been found and misused by any third party and we do not believe that there is a privacy risk.  We are informing subscribers consistent with a ‘best practice’ approach for privacy matters.

However, if you have used the same username, memorable phrase and/or password for other websites or services you may wish to consider whether these need to be changed.   

For information on password security and other tips and advice on how to be safe and secure online, visit Stay Smart Online website (www.staysmartonline.gov.au).

Regards

Stay Smart Online Team


****************************************
the above was emailed to me as a subscriber to the service, for some reason I believe it was relevant to post it here : ) webyter

NBN Co: Huawei FOI could harm national security | ZDNet

NBN Co: Huawei FOI could harm national security | ZDNet:

"Exclusive: In March, it was revealed that the Australian Government banned Chinese-owned network vendor Huawei from competing for contracts with the National Broadband Network (NBN) on the advice of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Huawei has long been under scrutiny, due to concerns that Huawei president Ren Zhengfei is a retired major in the People's Liberation Army."

'via Blog this'

AUSI OSINT: China Intercepting Australians in China and Hong Kong?

AUSI OSINT: China Intercepting Australians in China and Hong Kong?:

"As an example of concerns over Chinese electronic information gathering."

'via Blog this'

BRUCE HAIGH: BRUCE WRITES 2011

BRUCE HAIGH: BRUCE WRITES 2011:

"The story portrayed in the Four Corners program, ‘Smugglers Paradise – Australia’, on the 4 June, was not the one intended. Responding to criticism in The Australian, which I think is misplaced, the producer, Sue Spencer, says the facts of the program are not in dispute, I disagree."

'via Blog this'

Political game shows appalling inhumanity

Political game shows appalling inhumanity:

"The fact that some members of Parliament are now breaking ranks to try to come to a reasonable solution to the asylum seeker issue shows how desperate some of the more moderate MPs have become and, unfortunately, how low we as a nation have fallen (''MPs meet in secret on asylum deadlock'', June 26)."

'via Blog this'

ASIO lacks staff to vet refugees

ASIO lacks staff to vet refugees: 

"THE spy agency vetting asylum seekers for potential security threats is struggling with the ''sharp increase'' in boat arrivals, rudimentary computer systems and 30 per cent fewer staff than needed, an audit has found."

'via Blog this'

Cost blowout at secret Defence site

Cost blowout at secret Defence site: 

"A secret defence facility under construction at HMAS Harman outside Canberra has suffered a massive cost blowout."

'via Blog this'

ASIO security vetting endorsed

ASIO security vetting endorsed: 

"ASIO's controversial security vetting of potential refugees has been endorsed by a parliamentary committee."

'via Blog this'

No risk to NBN, says Alcatel

No risk to NBN, says Alcatel:

"The chief executive of global telecommunications giant Alcatel-Lucent, Ben Verwaayen, says that the company’s Chinese-made products do not pose a cyber security risk, labelling notions to the contrary as “romantic”."

'via Blog this'

The Coalition's Plan for Stronger Communities

The Coalition's Plan for Stronger Communities:

"John Howard was onto something when he said that he wanted Australians to feel more “relaxed and comfortable” about our country. People naturally seek the reassurance that their job is safe, their doctor is available, their children go to a good school, their neighbourhood is friendly, and their country is secure."

'via Blog this'

Abbott promises “real action” on five priority areas of law enforcement and crime fighting | Australian Conservative

Abbott promises “real action” on five priority areas of law enforcement and crime fighting | Australian Conservative:

"Attorney-General Senator George Brandis and Shadow Minister for Justice, Customs and Border Protection Michael Keenan announced:"

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Waxing, waning and royal illusions

Waxing, waning and royal illusions:

"Given the revelations on Four Corners that a people-smuggling kingpin allegedly disguised himself as a refugee and travelled by boat to Christmas Island - only to fool authorities and begin direct smuggling ventures from suburban Canberra (just down the road from the headquarters of the Australian Federal Police) - one must ponder not just the deficiencies of the AFP but also the intelligence gathering of ASIO. This security service is about to be examined by the High Court over its extraordinary powers to indefinitely detain genuine refugees without any adequate explanation. Clearly these two agencies need to be put under the microscope."

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US Government Attack on Wikileaks | Dissident Voice

US Government Attack on Wikileaks | Dissident Voice:

"WikiLeaks is under serious threat. The US, UK, Swedish and Australian governments are engaging in a coordinated effort to extradite its editor-in-chief Julian Assange to the United States, to face espionage charges for journalistic activities."

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Union of Agricultural Work Committees, media release, 31 May 2012, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs

Union of Agricultural Work Committees, media release, 31 May 2012, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs:

"An AusAID examination has concluded there is no evidence to support claims by the Israel Law Center (Shurat HaDin) that funding through World Vision Australia to a Palestinian NGO, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) was in violation of section 21 of the Charter of the United Nations Act, 1945."

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Lebanon news - NOW Lebanon -Australia dismisses Palestinian NGO “terror” claims

Lebanon news - NOW Lebanon -Australia dismisses Palestinian NGO “terror” claims:

"The Australian government on Thursday said it had cleared the local chapter of World Vision of an Israeli rights group's claims that a Palestinian NGO it was funding had extremist links."

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Nicola Roxon The Protector | Anne Summers | The Monthly

Nicola Roxon The Protector | Anne Summers | The Monthly:

"Australia’s Attorney-General wants a fair go for all. Will she get one herself?"

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Mother terrorised in Maddington break-in - The West Australian

Mother terrorised in Maddington break-in - The West Australian:

"A young woman has spoken of the terror she experienced when three men smashed their way into her Maddington home with a crowbar in the early hours of this morning."

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Cost blows out on new ASIO head office

Cost blows out on new ASIO head office:

"THE jewel in the crown of Australia's intelligence community - ASIO's new central office - has burst its budget once again, with the Canberra lakeside behemoth now set to cost more than $600 million."

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Civility plea a ploy to avoid scrutiny | The Australian

Civility plea a ploy to avoid scrutiny | The Australian:

"IT is the height of hypocrisy for Labor and gallery journalists to call for the opposition to ease the pressure on the government because of its potential impact on Craig Thomson's health.

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