Victoria
Australian nuclear science agency targeted by Israeli spyware campaign
Australia's nuclear science agency and other sensitive government bodies have been targeted by a sophisticated foreign spyware campaign using online advertisements.
Australia's premier nuclear science agency and several other highly sensitive government organisations have been targeted by a highly sophisticated foreign cyber operation. The campaign secretly weaponised online advertising networks to deliver and install spyware on targeted devices, according to a wire report.
The operation reportedly involves technology developed by an Israeli company that has been used to track millions of devices worldwide. By converting routine digital marketing infrastructure into a surveillance tool, the actors were able to bypass standard security protocols and infect devices through normal web browsing activities.
Among the primary targets identified in Australia is the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. The federal agency operates critical infrastructure, including the nation's only nuclear research reactor at Lucas Heights in New South Wales.
At this stage, federal authorities have not confirmed the full extent of the targeting or whether any classified national security data has been compromised. It also remains unclear how many individuals within the nuclear agency and other sensitive departments had their devices successfully infected with the spyware.
The method used in the attack relies on manipulating online advertisements to inject malicious code, a technique that allows sophisticated actors to target specific users based on their location or network profile. This form of surveillance often requires no active interaction from the user, making it exceptionally difficult to detect.
National security agencies are expected to face pressure to clarify which other departments were affected by the campaign and what measures are being taken to secure government networks.
Watch for an official statement from the Australian Cyber Security Centre regarding the government's response to the ad-based spyware threat.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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