Intelligence agency could be used for 'offensive cyber' operations in Australia

Currently the ASD advises the private sector, including critical infrastructure operators, on how to protect itself. One option now being canvassed is for the ASD to be able to sit within firms' computer networks - with the firms' knowledge - to help protect them.

The ASD collects foreign communications or "signals intelligence", but it is also charged with protecting critical Australian networks against cyber threats. The collection side of the agency's role would not be affected by any changes. Mr Dutton said last year after the original leak to News Corp: "If we had a capacity to disrupt, for example, the live streaming of children being sexually exploited, would we explore ways that we could do that within the law? Of course we would. So we will have a look at all of those options."A government spokesman said this week: "The government's position has not changed since statements were made on this matter last year.

Mr Dutton's Home Affairs Department boss, Mike Pezzullo, explained the proposals in broad terms last year after the leaks, saying the only "potential new powers and functions" concerned whether ASD might be used "in the disruption of cybercrime where the whole, or parts, of the relevant cyber network are hosted on Australian telecommunications infrastructure" and "in the active defence of certain critical national networks".

It is understood a key part of the continuing internal bureaucratic discussion is around what kinds of protections would be required, such as warrants, ministerial authorisations and oversight by the intelligence watchdog, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.

davidwroe With Dutton at the helm I have a very bad feeling about these new operations. How far can they go ? Is our privacy going to be non-existent ? I don't trust this character, never will.

davidwroe A Slow but sure march to a police state When National security becomes an excuse to deny citizens their basic human right to privacy signaling an end to democratic government as we once knew it to be

davidwroe PeterDutton_MP certainly knows all about offensive...

davidwroe Why does this man make me cringe

davidwroe The AFL are already on to this.

davidwroe Australian intelligence? It’ll never happen.

davidwroe I am offended

davidwroe Citizen surveillance is a terrible thing.

davidwroe Do the opposite of whatever he says..

davidwroe creep...

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