Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Australia Spy Chief Alleges Chinese Hackers Probe Networks
Australia's top spy boss, Mike Burgess, said that sneaky computer hackers who work for China's government and army have been looking into Australia's phone systems and important places like power plants.
He mentioned two groups, called Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, that have done this.
Burgess warned that these hackers could cause big problems, like shutting down banks or making it hard to get water and power, which could be really damaging.
He explained that these kinds of cyber spying are easy for other countries to do and can be very effective.
China, however, says this is not true and that Australia is making things up to cause trouble between them.
Australia had previously decided not to let Chinese companies build their 5G phone network because they considered them too risky.
Australia's spy chief, Mike Burgess, stated that hackers linked to China's government and military have been probing national telecommunications and critical infrastructure.
Two specific groups, Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, were identified as being involved in espionage and potential sabotage.
Burgess warned that these cyber intrusions could lead to significant disruption of essential services such as banking, transport, water, and power.
He described cyber-enabled espionage as a low-cost, high-impact activity that is difficult to attribute directly.
China has denied the accusations, labeling them as false narratives and provocations, and has filed diplomatic protests with Australia.
- Who
- Mike Burgess, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
- What
- Accused hackers working for China's government and military of probing Australia's telecommunications and critical infrastructure networks, warning of potential sabotage and disruption.
- When
- Wednesday (specific date not provided, during a speech)
- Where
- Melbourne, Australia (conference)
- Why
- To warn of the risks of cyber-enabled espionage and sabotage, highlighting the capabilities and potential impact of Chinese state-linked hacking groups.
Australia's View
China's Stance
Allegations of Hacking
Australia's View
Australia's spy chief, Mike Burgess, accuses hackers working for Chinese government intelligence and military (groups like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon) of probing Australian telecommunications and critical infrastructure networks for espionage and potential sabotage.
China's Stance
China dismisses the accusations as a 'false narrative,' accuses Australian officials of spreading disinformation and deliberately provoking confrontation, and has filed diplomatic protests.
Nature of Cyber Espionage
Australia's View
Burgess describes cyber-enabled espionage as low-cost, high-impact, deniable, and scalable, with the potential for widespread disruption to essential services. He emphasizes that intent, not just capability, determines the impact of such intrusions.
China's Stance
China denies involvement in hacking or cyber espionage activities.
- Accusation
- Hackers working for Chinese government and military probing Australian networks.
- Spy Chief
- Mike Burgess, Director-General of ASIO
- Alleged Hacking Groups
- Volt Typhoon, Salt Typhoon
- Targeted Areas
- Telecommunications networks, critical infrastructure
- Motivation/Impact
- Espionage, potential sabotage, disruption of essential services (banking, transport, water, power)
- Australia's Past Action Mentioned
- Exclusion of Chinese firms (like Huawei) from building the nation's 5G network in 2018
