Australia's Spy Chiefs Warn of Electronic Eavesdropping on Connected Cars
Australia's top spies have urged politicians and public servants to keep sensitive government information off connected cars due to the risk of electronic eavesdropping. This warning comes after a leak revealed the impending arrest of former SAS corporal Ben Roberts-Smith. The leak, made public last week, has sparked an investigation by the spy agency into how the information was obtained.
The agency has warned politicians and public servants that discussing sensitive information in internet-connected cars poses a significant threat to national security. Deputy director general Lisa Alonso Love told a budget estimates hearing that the warning was not specific about country of origin or car manufacturer.
People should be mindful of what they're discussing in vehicles, knowing that others may be able to intercept that information, Love said. The agency hasn't specified what kind of information is at risk, but advises conversations about sensitive topics should only take place in secure environments.
At a Senate estimates hearing, the AFP boss said she had no evidence that anyone in her organization had shared details of the imminent arrest with journalists, but referred the matter to the Nacc out of an abundance of caution.
AFP boss Barrett said, "If the date of the individual's arrest or other sensitive information was disclosed to anyone in the media, this could be an unauthorized disclosure, and in my view, anyone who disclosed that information should face consequences."
The Nacc has been asked to investigate the leak, but it's unclear whether they'll be able to uncover the source of the information. This incident has sparked controversy and debate about the government's handling of sensitive information.
Australia's spy agency, the Australian Signals Directorate, has already published advice about the risks posed by connected vehicles. Australia's spy chiefs have warned politicians and public servants not to discuss sensitive government information while they're in internet-connected cars due to the risk that the vehicles could be bugged.
Federal police commissioner Kate Carroll told Senate estimates she's determined to find out how the media knew of Ben Roberts-Smith's arrest ahead of time and says the alleged leaker should face consequences. The investigation is ongoing, and the public is waiting for more information.
Australia's spy agency has already sounded the alarm on connected cars, urging caution when discussing sensitive information in these vehicles. With concerns about national security on the rise, the government is cracking down on leaks and unauthorized disclosures.