The Cost of Espionage - Defence and Defence Industry

The cost to Defence and Defence industry

Australia's military capabilities are a top target for foreign intelligence services. They want to blunt our operational edge; gain insights into our operational readiness, tactics and techniques; and better understand our allies' capabilities.

This includes maritime and aviation-related military capabilities, as well as innovations with both commercial and military applications, from fields such as quantum science and communications.

Important Defence projects are put at risk when Australians working on those projects advertise their work, security clearance or other information via social media platforms and job websites. This enables spies from multiple countries to identify, target and cultivate Australians with access to privileged information.

For protective security advice for the defence sector, read ASIO's Report prying minds publication.

Fostering a good security culture

Understand the threat – acknowledge the threat is real. Anyone with access to sensitive information can be a target, and the consequences for your bottom line, reputation and the national interest can be severe.

Identify the risk – know what is valuable and what is vulnerable in your organisation, whether it is data, assets or individuals.

Manage the risk – implement a coherent, connected security strategy across your whole enterprise – your people, places, technology and information. Continuous and consistent education and engagement with staff builds a strong culture that is security aware and alert to anomalous behaviour.