Australian government admits to cyberwarfare capability - Polidicks

[quote]The Australian Government has admitted for the first time it has the ability to launch cyber attacks. It comes as the Prime Minister unveils his $230 million Cyber Security Strategy, aimed at beefing up the nation's defences against online assaults on individuals, businesses and governments that some estimates say cost the economy as much as $17 billion a year. The five-tiered plan will: continue to build a national partnership between government and business; strengthen defences; appoint an ambassador to push for an open, free and secure internet; drive innovation through an industry-led growth centre; and raise awareness and develop centres of excellence. The Commonwealth is one of the prime targets for attacks by opportunists, criminals and other states. Last year, the ABC uncovered a state-based intrusion into the Bureau of Meteorology that has infected its entire computer network. The threat is persistent, aimed at stealing information, and will cost hundreds of millions of dollars to fix. The bureau has a direct link to the Defence Department and officials have told the ABC they believe it was launched from China. Cyber security breaches are never confirmed by government but it is understood there is an active debate over whether to change that approach, as there is an increasing call for businesses to be more transparent about attacks on their systems. In a clear sign there has been a change of thinking under Malcolm Turnbull, the Commonwealth has let it be known the capacity to attack is part of its array of defences. Buried on page 21 of the Cyber Security Strategy Mr Turnbull will launch today is: "Australia's defensive and offensive cyber capabilities enable us to deter and respond to the threat of cyber attack." It is the first time the Government has made the admission and the ABC has been told it is a reflection of Mr Turnbull's deep interest in the cyber strategy and that he is trying to break down the risk-averse attitude of the bureaucracy.[/quote] [url]http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-21/australia-admits-it-can-launch-cyber-attacks-turnbull/7343620[/url] I'm surprised actually. Here I was thinking Australia was seriously lacking in the area. It certainly wasn't in the Defence White Paper.

[quote]appoint an ambassador to push for an open, free and secure internet[/quote] [quote]secure[/quote] [quote]free[/quote] hmm

would not be surprised if all the Five Eyes countries have some pretty capable cyberwarfare capabilities

[QUOTE=Ninja Gnome;50171501]would not be surprised if all the Five Eyes countries have some pretty capable cyberwarfare capabilities[/QUOTE] I have no doubt that all the Five Eyes have supremely capable cyberwarfare capabilities, or at least access to each others systems.

[QUOTE=DuCT;50171577]I have no doubt that all the Five Eyes have supremely capable cyberwarfare capabilities, or at least access to each others systems.[/QUOTE] I figured Australia would be leeching off the US's capabilities through Five Eyes.

[QUOTE=download;50171676]I figured Australia would be leeching off the US's capabilities through Five Eyes.[/QUOTE] They probably started that way, but the US told them to start building up their own systems.

Now if only we had some kind of national broadband network in order to effectively launch these attacks.

[QUOTE=download;50171072]Text[/QUOTE] I don't think they should admit to their capability and should just instead keep theses things hidden as always and only use them when they are needed.. Once we get a quantum computer then suddenly every firewall, every encryption on the planet could be broken in a matter of hours. Meaning that every bank account in the world could suddenly be wiped just as the internet could be.

We can finally claim New Zealand as our 7th state.

Cyber warfare is sort of the hot new thing, but a lot of it needs to be hush hush. I would not be surprised if a lot of governments have cyber warfare programs now.

I'm not too sure if our two cups and piece of string network can handle this?

[QUOTE=-n3o-;50172851]I'm not too sure if our two cups and piece of string network can handle this?[/QUOTE] "We can do cyber attacks, guys!" Ends up stagnating all internet traffic all over the country

[QUOTE=1239the;50171878]Now if only we had some kind of national broadband network in order to effectively launch these attacks.[/QUOTE] What nonsense, everybody knows we don't broadband! Telegram and the Horse & Buggy will be all we need, now and forever.

[QUOTE=O'Neil;50172563]We can finally claim New Zealand as our 7th state.[/QUOTE] Are we replacing Tasmania?