Australian Spy Chief Warns Chinese Hackers Trying to Breach Critical Networks

Mike Burgess says Beijing’s intent has shifted from espionage to sabotage, with billions in losses already recorded.

Director-General of ASIO, Mike Burgess appears before a Senate inquiry at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on April 29, 2021. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Australia’s top intelligence chief has accused Chinese state-backed hackers of targeting the nation’s most critical systems, warning that their intent has shifted from “espionage to sabotage.”

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess said Australia’s economy had lost $12.5 billion in 2023–24 due to espionage and foreign interference.