Australian spy chief warns Chinese hackers are ‘probing’ critical networks for espionage and sabotage

In a stark warning, Mike Burgess, the head of Australia's intelligence agency, has raised concerns about ongoing cyber activities by China-backed hackers targeting the nation’s critical infrastructure. Speaking at a conference in Melbourne, Burgess revealed that these hackers have been actively probing systems essential to the country’s security, with some groups reportedly achieving unauthorized access. Burgess specifically identified two hacking factions, both linked to the Chinese government, that are gearing up for potential acts of sabotage and espionage. His remarks align with similar warnings from U.S. officials, who have highlighted the risks posed by these ongoing cyber campaigns, which could lead to significant economic and societal disruptions. One group, known as Volt Typhoon, is reportedly making inroads into vital infrastructure sectors, including power, water, and transportation. Burgess cautioned that successful intrusions could have dire consequences, potentially disrupting energy and water supplies, leading to extensive outages. According to U.S. intelligence, Volt Typhoon has been laying down malware within critical systems, preparing for cyberattacks that could be unleashed upon activation. Burgess emphasized the severity of the threat, stating, "I do not think we — and I mean all of us — truly appreciate how disruptive, how devastating, this could be." He noted that after gaining access, the subsequent actions of the hackers would depend on their intent rather than their capabilities. Additionally, Burgess highlighted another hacking group, Salt Typhoon, which has been implicated in breaches of telecommunications networks. This group has targeted numerous phone and internet companies, stealing sensitive data such as call records. The FBI reported that over 200 telecom companies, including major providers like AT&T and Verizon, were compromised, prompting calls for enhanced security measures, such as using end-to-end encrypted messaging apps. In a related note, the Canadian government has also confirmed that its telecommunications companies faced breaches linked to these Chinese cyber activities. Meanwhile, China has consistently denied any involvement in such hacking incidents.