The ADF remains a prime target for foreign intelligence services, according to Australia's security service.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is urging Defence members and security clearance holders to be discrete when discussing their access to sensitive information or projects, or talking about their work on social media.
A recent report issued by ASIO, The cost of espionage, estimated espionage cost the Australian economy $12.5 billion in 2023-24. The research, conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), found this was likely to be a substantial underestimate of the true cost of espionage.
In one incident provided by ASIO, a foreign intelligence service attempted to compromise a restricted Defence network to gain sensitive data relating to an important project. The same intelligence service also attempted to breach the network of a Defence contractor providing a vital service to the project.
In another case, procurement officers ordered replacement hardware to be delivered straight to an asset's Defence location. Investigations revealed the spare parts supplier had links to a foreign government. The hardware was not installed and harm was avoided.
'Employers are not the only ones recruiting online.'
Director-General of Security Mike Burgess said important Defence projects could be put at risk when Australians working on those projects advertised their work, security clearance, or other information via social media platforms and job websites.
"Australia's defence sector is a top intelligence collection priority for foreign governments seeking to blunt our operational edge, gain insights into our operational readiness and tactics, and better understand our allies' capabilities," Mr Burgess said.
"Targets include maritime and aviation-related military capabilities, but also innovations with both commercial and military applications."
On just one professional networking site, the profiles of more than 35,000 Australians indicate they have access to sensitive and potentially classified information. Of those, 7000 people referenced their work in Defence, while 400 explicitly said they work on AUKUS.
"Employers are not the only ones recruiting online," Mr Burgess said.
"Spies from multiple countries routinely and relentlessly trawl professional networking sites, seeking to identify, target and cultivate Australians with access to privileged information."
He said Australians with security clearances, including members of the ADF, public servants and contractors working at all levels of government, were of particular interest to foreign intelligence services, particularly when travelling overseas for work.
Government workers or security clearance holders have an obligation to report suspicious approaches by contacting their security manager and filling out a contact report. Other workers can report suspicious approaches to ASIO's Notifiable Incidents, Threats or Reportable Observations portal at nitro.asio.gov.au, or by calling the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
National security is a shared responsibility.
To read the AIC's research report, visit www.asio.gov.au/coe
