Australian spies to disrupt cybercrime groups

Citing the growing cost of cybercrime in the economy, the Australian government has directed the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) intelligence agency to utilize its offensive cyber capabilities to disrupt, degrade, deny and deter organized offshore cyber criminals.

Currently used to help target, disrupt and defeat terrorist organizations such as Daesh, the offense capability is subject to stringent legal oversight and is consistent with Australia’s obligations under international law, the government announced.

It will function as part of the Government’s crime-fighting arsenal and contribute to the broader strategy of preventing and shutting down safe havens for offshore cyber criminals. However, cyber security and law enforcement measures will continue to sit at the forefront of Australia’s response to cybercrime threats.

This directive follows the Government’s public acknowledgement of ASD’s offensive cyber-capabilities when Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy was launched in April 2016, for which the Government contributed A$230 million.

Additionally, the Defence White Paper contains up to A$400 million to enhance the cyber-capabilities of Australia’s defence forces.

Cybercrime is conservatively estimated to cost the Australian economy A$1 billion ($766.1 million) annually. The recent WannaCry and Petya ransomware attacks have affected governments, businesses and individuals around the world. With constantly evolving strategies, cyber-criminals are increasingly targeting businesses directly.