Australian intelligence chiefs want law to stop former spies taking skills
overseas
Australia's intelligence chiefs seek new legislation to prevent former spies from sharing their expertise abroad, fearing it aids foreign adversaries; the proposed laws would require explicit permission before ex-spies offer training services. While legislation addressing military personnel training for foreign entities is progressing, a separate provision for intelligence officers is being considered following ASIO’s request and parliamentary committee recommendations.
Improving the Security of Soft Targets and Crowded Places
Attacks on soft targets and crowded places (ST-CPs) represent a significant challenge. In response, researchers from the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Centre conducted a comprehensive landscape assessment of the threat to ST-CPs and corresponding security measures.
This assessment integrated literature reviews, attack plot analyses, grant data reviews, and security cost modelling to identify both needs for improvement and recommended research and investment priorities for addressing those needs.
Why cyber indictments and sanctions matter
The US and Britain have accused China of sponsoring cyberattacks aimed at influencing opinions and stealing intellectual property, leading to indictments and sanctions, though critics argue that the responses from both countries are insufficient, given the scale and impact of the attacks. The Australian government has emphasized the need for a coordinated strategy to counter China's cyber activities and bolster national cyber resilience.
War risks to Australian maritime trade
Australia's trade with Asia faces risk if tensions escalate between China and the United States due to its heavy reliance on sea routes passing through Indonesia and around Papua New Guinea. While military defence of the Malacca Strait is crucial, the resilience of international trade, supported by alternative routes, competition among shipping lines, and war-risk insurance, remains robust, prompting calls for the Australian government to review and update its shipping route security measures.
Australia needs to adopt deepfake use regulations says RMIT expert
Deepfake technology poses a significant threat to digital authenticity, enabling fraud and political manipulation through fabricated speeches and manipulated visuals. As deepfake creation becomes more accessible, it is advocated for regulations to mitigate misuse, emphasizing the need for collective vigilance and awareness campaigns. The realism of deepfakes extends beyond fraud and politics, with a majority being pornographic in nature, prompting concerns about privacy and ethical implications.
Australia and Britain deepen defence cooperation, but are they allies?
Australia and Britain have strengthened their defence relationship with a new treaty-level Defence and Security Cooperation Agreement (DSCA), raising questions about the possibility of a formal alliance due to their increasingly aligned strategic outlooks. The DSCA, while not explicitly as robust as Australia's alliance with the US under ANZUS, signifies a significant step toward closer military cooperation, including mutual consultations on sovereignty and regional security.
China’s use of foreign open-source software, and how to counter it
The Wall Street Journal has revealed China's directive, Document 79, mandating the replacement of foreign software with Chinese versions by state-owned enterprises, using open-source software to bridge technological gaps, prompting concerns among US, Australia, and their allies about contributing to projects that may benefit China's military and intelligence systems. Beijing's efforts to develop local software aim to reduce dependence on foreign technology and mitigate security risks but raise questions about the involvement of foreign talent and the potential for weaponization.