SYDNEY, Feb 8, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Australia’s parliament revealed Friday
that its computer network had been compromised by an unspecified “security
incident” and said an investigation was under way.
“Following a security incident on the parliamentary computing network, a
number of measures have been implemented to protect the network and its
users,” parliamentary authorities said in a statement.
Officials declined to comment on the nature of the cyber security breach,
but said there was no initial evidence that data had been accessed.
“We have no evidence that this is an attempt to influence the outcome of
parliamentary processes or to disrupt or influence electoral or political
processes,” a statement said.
“Our immediate focus has been on securing the network and protecting data
and users.”
All parliamentary passwords were reset as a precaution.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he had been briefed on the matter,
adding: “There is no suggestion that government departments or agencies have
been the target of any such incursion.”
The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) confirmed it was working with the
parliament in response to the attack, a move that indicates that
sophisticated actors may be involved.
National broadcaster ABC reported intelligence agencies were looking into
whether China or another foreign government could be behind the attack.
“ASD and its Australian Cyber Security Centre will continue to work with
(Parliament) to understand the full extent of this network compromise,” and
ASD spokesperson told AFP.
“Meanwhile, the necessary steps are being taken to mitigate the compromise
and prevent any harm.”