Latest news with #UniversityofSouthAustralia
The Advertiser
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Lax Aussies making themselves easy spy targets: ASIO
Australia's intelligence boss has warned that people who boast about their access to sensitive information are openly painting themselves as targets for foreign spying operations. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess revealed details of multiple espionage operations as he used a keynote speech to warn officials, businesses and the general public about interference threats and the impact of lax security. Russian spies were deported in 2022 after an ASIO investigation found they were "recruiting proxies and agents to obtain sensitive information, and employing sophisticated tradecraft to disguise their activities", he said on Thursday. Russia, China and Iran were singled out as adversaries but "you would be genuinely shocked by the number and names of countries trying to steal our secrets", he said at the annual Hawke lecture at the University of South Australia. ASIO, the nation's domestic intelligence agency, disrupted 24 major espionage and foreign interference operations in the last three years, more than the previous eight years combined. Mr Burgess said spies used a security clearance-holder to obtain information about trade negotiations and convinced one state bureaucrat to log into a database to obtain details of people a foreign regime considered dissidents. The director-general also detailed how a foreign intelligence service ordered spies to apply for Australian government jobs, including at national security institutions, to access classified information. Another example included a visiting academic linked to a foreign government breaking into a restricted lab with sensitive technology and filming inside, he said. "They are just the tip of an espionage iceberg," Mr Burgess said. Foreign companies tied to intelligence services had also tried to access private data, buy land near military sites and collaborate with researchers developing sensitive technology. "In recent years, for example, defence employees travelling overseas have been subjected to covert room searches, been approached at conferences by spies in disguise and given gifts containing surveillance devices," Mr Burgess added. Hackers had also broken into the network of a peak industry body to steal sensitive information about exports and foreign investment, as well as into a law firm to take information about government-related cases, he said. The director-general chided people who held security clearances or who had access to classified information openly promoting themselves on social media, making it easier for them to be targeted by foreign agents. More than 35,000 Australians indicated they had access to classified or private information on a single professional networking site, he said, adding 7000 referred to working in the defence sector and critical technologies. Nearly 2500 boasted about having a security clearance, he said. "All too often we make it all too easy," he said. Almost 400 people explicitly said they worked on the AUKUS project, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines as the keystone of its military power. Mr Burgess put the cost of espionage - including the theft of intellectual property resulting in lost revenue and responding to incidents - at $12.5 billion in 2023/24. This included cyber spies stealing nearly $2 billion of trade secrets and intellectual property from Australian companies. The number came from a conservative Australian Institute of Criminology analysis that took into account details for ASIO investigations, he said. Hackers stealing commercially sensitive information from one Australian exporter gave a foreign country a leg up in a subsequent contract negotiation, "costing Australia hundreds of millions of dollars", Mr Burgess said. Australia's intelligence boss has warned that people who boast about their access to sensitive information are openly painting themselves as targets for foreign spying operations. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess revealed details of multiple espionage operations as he used a keynote speech to warn officials, businesses and the general public about interference threats and the impact of lax security. Russian spies were deported in 2022 after an ASIO investigation found they were "recruiting proxies and agents to obtain sensitive information, and employing sophisticated tradecraft to disguise their activities", he said on Thursday. Russia, China and Iran were singled out as adversaries but "you would be genuinely shocked by the number and names of countries trying to steal our secrets", he said at the annual Hawke lecture at the University of South Australia. ASIO, the nation's domestic intelligence agency, disrupted 24 major espionage and foreign interference operations in the last three years, more than the previous eight years combined. Mr Burgess said spies used a security clearance-holder to obtain information about trade negotiations and convinced one state bureaucrat to log into a database to obtain details of people a foreign regime considered dissidents. The director-general also detailed how a foreign intelligence service ordered spies to apply for Australian government jobs, including at national security institutions, to access classified information. Another example included a visiting academic linked to a foreign government breaking into a restricted lab with sensitive technology and filming inside, he said. "They are just the tip of an espionage iceberg," Mr Burgess said. Foreign companies tied to intelligence services had also tried to access private data, buy land near military sites and collaborate with researchers developing sensitive technology. "In recent years, for example, defence employees travelling overseas have been subjected to covert room searches, been approached at conferences by spies in disguise and given gifts containing surveillance devices," Mr Burgess added. Hackers had also broken into the network of a peak industry body to steal sensitive information about exports and foreign investment, as well as into a law firm to take information about government-related cases, he said. The director-general chided people who held security clearances or who had access to classified information openly promoting themselves on social media, making it easier for them to be targeted by foreign agents. More than 35,000 Australians indicated they had access to classified or private information on a single professional networking site, he said, adding 7000 referred to working in the defence sector and critical technologies. Nearly 2500 boasted about having a security clearance, he said. "All too often we make it all too easy," he said. Almost 400 people explicitly said they worked on the AUKUS project, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines as the keystone of its military power. Mr Burgess put the cost of espionage - including the theft of intellectual property resulting in lost revenue and responding to incidents - at $12.5 billion in 2023/24. This included cyber spies stealing nearly $2 billion of trade secrets and intellectual property from Australian companies. The number came from a conservative Australian Institute of Criminology analysis that took into account details for ASIO investigations, he said. Hackers stealing commercially sensitive information from one Australian exporter gave a foreign country a leg up in a subsequent contract negotiation, "costing Australia hundreds of millions of dollars", Mr Burgess said. Australia's intelligence boss has warned that people who boast about their access to sensitive information are openly painting themselves as targets for foreign spying operations. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess revealed details of multiple espionage operations as he used a keynote speech to warn officials, businesses and the general public about interference threats and the impact of lax security. Russian spies were deported in 2022 after an ASIO investigation found they were "recruiting proxies and agents to obtain sensitive information, and employing sophisticated tradecraft to disguise their activities", he said on Thursday. Russia, China and Iran were singled out as adversaries but "you would be genuinely shocked by the number and names of countries trying to steal our secrets", he said at the annual Hawke lecture at the University of South Australia. ASIO, the nation's domestic intelligence agency, disrupted 24 major espionage and foreign interference operations in the last three years, more than the previous eight years combined. Mr Burgess said spies used a security clearance-holder to obtain information about trade negotiations and convinced one state bureaucrat to log into a database to obtain details of people a foreign regime considered dissidents. The director-general also detailed how a foreign intelligence service ordered spies to apply for Australian government jobs, including at national security institutions, to access classified information. Another example included a visiting academic linked to a foreign government breaking into a restricted lab with sensitive technology and filming inside, he said. "They are just the tip of an espionage iceberg," Mr Burgess said. Foreign companies tied to intelligence services had also tried to access private data, buy land near military sites and collaborate with researchers developing sensitive technology. "In recent years, for example, defence employees travelling overseas have been subjected to covert room searches, been approached at conferences by spies in disguise and given gifts containing surveillance devices," Mr Burgess added. Hackers had also broken into the network of a peak industry body to steal sensitive information about exports and foreign investment, as well as into a law firm to take information about government-related cases, he said. The director-general chided people who held security clearances or who had access to classified information openly promoting themselves on social media, making it easier for them to be targeted by foreign agents. More than 35,000 Australians indicated they had access to classified or private information on a single professional networking site, he said, adding 7000 referred to working in the defence sector and critical technologies. Nearly 2500 boasted about having a security clearance, he said. "All too often we make it all too easy," he said. Almost 400 people explicitly said they worked on the AUKUS project, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines as the keystone of its military power. Mr Burgess put the cost of espionage - including the theft of intellectual property resulting in lost revenue and responding to incidents - at $12.5 billion in 2023/24. This included cyber spies stealing nearly $2 billion of trade secrets and intellectual property from Australian companies. The number came from a conservative Australian Institute of Criminology analysis that took into account details for ASIO investigations, he said. Hackers stealing commercially sensitive information from one Australian exporter gave a foreign country a leg up in a subsequent contract negotiation, "costing Australia hundreds of millions of dollars", Mr Burgess said. Australia's intelligence boss has warned that people who boast about their access to sensitive information are openly painting themselves as targets for foreign spying operations. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess revealed details of multiple espionage operations as he used a keynote speech to warn officials, businesses and the general public about interference threats and the impact of lax security. Russian spies were deported in 2022 after an ASIO investigation found they were "recruiting proxies and agents to obtain sensitive information, and employing sophisticated tradecraft to disguise their activities", he said on Thursday. Russia, China and Iran were singled out as adversaries but "you would be genuinely shocked by the number and names of countries trying to steal our secrets", he said at the annual Hawke lecture at the University of South Australia. ASIO, the nation's domestic intelligence agency, disrupted 24 major espionage and foreign interference operations in the last three years, more than the previous eight years combined. Mr Burgess said spies used a security clearance-holder to obtain information about trade negotiations and convinced one state bureaucrat to log into a database to obtain details of people a foreign regime considered dissidents. The director-general also detailed how a foreign intelligence service ordered spies to apply for Australian government jobs, including at national security institutions, to access classified information. Another example included a visiting academic linked to a foreign government breaking into a restricted lab with sensitive technology and filming inside, he said. "They are just the tip of an espionage iceberg," Mr Burgess said. Foreign companies tied to intelligence services had also tried to access private data, buy land near military sites and collaborate with researchers developing sensitive technology. "In recent years, for example, defence employees travelling overseas have been subjected to covert room searches, been approached at conferences by spies in disguise and given gifts containing surveillance devices," Mr Burgess added. Hackers had also broken into the network of a peak industry body to steal sensitive information about exports and foreign investment, as well as into a law firm to take information about government-related cases, he said. The director-general chided people who held security clearances or who had access to classified information openly promoting themselves on social media, making it easier for them to be targeted by foreign agents. More than 35,000 Australians indicated they had access to classified or private information on a single professional networking site, he said, adding 7000 referred to working in the defence sector and critical technologies. Nearly 2500 boasted about having a security clearance, he said. "All too often we make it all too easy," he said. Almost 400 people explicitly said they worked on the AUKUS project, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines as the keystone of its military power. Mr Burgess put the cost of espionage - including the theft of intellectual property resulting in lost revenue and responding to incidents - at $12.5 billion in 2023/24. This included cyber spies stealing nearly $2 billion of trade secrets and intellectual property from Australian companies. The number came from a conservative Australian Institute of Criminology analysis that took into account details for ASIO investigations, he said. Hackers stealing commercially sensitive information from one Australian exporter gave a foreign country a leg up in a subsequent contract negotiation, "costing Australia hundreds of millions of dollars", Mr Burgess said.
Perth Now
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Lax Aussies making themselves easy spy targets: ASIO
Australia's intelligence boss has warned that people who boast about their access to sensitive information are openly painting themselves as targets for foreign spying operations. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess revealed details of multiple espionage operations as he used a keynote speech to warn officials, businesses and the general public about interference threats and the impact of lax security. Russian spies were deported in 2022 after an ASIO investigation found they were "recruiting proxies and agents to obtain sensitive information, and employing sophisticated tradecraft to disguise their activities", he said on Thursday. Russia, China and Iran were singled out as adversaries but "you would be genuinely shocked by the number and names of countries trying to steal our secrets", he said at the annual Hawke lecture at the University of South Australia. ASIO, the nation's domestic intelligence agency, disrupted 24 major espionage and foreign interference operations in the last three years, more than the previous eight years combined. Mr Burgess said spies used a security clearance-holder to obtain information about trade negotiations and convinced one state bureaucrat to log into a database to obtain details of people a foreign regime considered dissidents. The director-general also detailed how a foreign intelligence service ordered spies to apply for Australian government jobs, including at national security institutions, to access classified information. Another example included a visiting academic linked to a foreign government breaking into a restricted lab with sensitive technology and filming inside, he said. "They are just the tip of an espionage iceberg," Mr Burgess said. Foreign companies tied to intelligence services had also tried to access private data, buy land near military sites and collaborate with researchers developing sensitive technology. "In recent years, for example, defence employees travelling overseas have been subjected to covert room searches, been approached at conferences by spies in disguise and given gifts containing surveillance devices," Mr Burgess added. Hackers had also broken into the network of a peak industry body to steal sensitive information about exports and foreign investment, as well as into a law firm to take information about government-related cases, he said. The director-general chided people who held security clearances or who had access to classified information openly promoting themselves on social media, making it easier for them to be targeted by foreign agents. More than 35,000 Australians indicated they had access to classified or private information on a single professional networking site, he said, adding 7000 referred to working in the defence sector and critical technologies. Nearly 2500 boasted about having a security clearance, he said. "All too often we make it all too easy," he said. Almost 400 people explicitly said they worked on the AUKUS project, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines as the keystone of its military power. Mr Burgess put the cost of espionage - including the theft of intellectual property resulting in lost revenue and responding to incidents - at $12.5 billion in 2023/24. This included cyber spies stealing nearly $2 billion of trade secrets and intellectual property from Australian companies. The number came from a conservative Australian Institute of Criminology analysis that took into account details for ASIO investigations, he said. Hackers stealing commercially sensitive information from one Australian exporter gave a foreign country a leg up in a subsequent contract negotiation, "costing Australia hundreds of millions of dollars", Mr Burgess said.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Adelaide University emerges as a new global power
Australia's higher education landscape is about to be reshaped, and it is making headlines already. The newly formed Adelaide University, set to open in January 2026, has debuted in the global top 100 (ranked equal 82) in the latest 2026 QS World University Rankings. The new university, founded on the combined legacy and strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, has confirmed its place in the global top 1% as one of the best universities amongst more than 15,000 worldwide. For 151 years, the University of Adelaide has been committed to the discovery of new knowledge and preparing graduates to achieve their aspirations. The University has been home to five of Australia's 15 Nobel Laureates and produced more than 100 Rhodes Scholars. It has made scientific discoveries to further understand the space-time continuum, is co-leading the creation of the world's first legal text on conflict in space, and is harnessing the nation's natural coastline to advance sustainable offshore energy production. The University of South Australia is Australia's University of Enterprise with innovation and industry deeply embedded in its education and research. It was the first university in Australia to roll out crowdsourcing technology to produce an institutional strategic direction spanning 56 countries, partnered with industry to produce COVID-19 detection drones in the height of the global pandemic, and helped to produce the world's first shatterproof mirror. Launching towards the future In an ever-changing world, education and research must keep pace – adapting to the needs of contemporary learners and exploring new frontiers to shape what's next. Adelaide University is taking the strengths of its foundation universities and propelling this forward to transform teaching and learning. Like designing degrees alongside industry to prepare students for the world of AI, entrepreneurship and jobs that don't exist yet. And building a global and highly skilled workforce that will further contribute to advanced and technology-driven economies like India. South Australia has always been a place for progress, and through Adelaide University's ambitious innovation agenda, the institution will accelerate the State with impact that will transcend borders. It's a place where pioneers have made breakthroughs in antibiotics, clean energy, high tech, manufacturing, and space. And at the centre of this enviable innovation ecosystem is the city's university sector. Adelaide University is bringing together a network of more than 7,000 industry collaborators, 11,000 expert staff and researchers, and specialist infrastructure and resources to deliver greater educational outcomes. In time, it aims to be the most connected university in Australia. With more than 400 uplifted degrees and 1500 new courses, Adelaide University will build a pipeline of global talent and ethical leaders in disciplines like Business, Marketing and Management, Information Technology, Computer Science, and Engineering. A distinctive curriculum design will support greater study flexibility, engagement and success. This includes a reimagined approach to work integrated learning, with a broader range of models such as internships, placements, fieldwork, projects, enterprise (incubators and startups), community service, simulated, degree apprenticeships (working with employers), and clinics. Students will build the skills that employers want while building their professional networks and identity. A suite of common core courses will compliment practical learning and set graduates apart with solid foundations in interdisciplinary areas. This includes fundamentals in AI, data knowledge, and entrepreneurship and design thinking to identify creative and sustainable solutions. Spanning the largest campus footprint in South Australia, Adelaide University boasts impressive and cutting-edge facilities. Like the State's first simulated financial trading room backed by industry software and the largest structural strong floor and 'Big Rep' 3D printer in the southern hemisphere. The LIEF Hexapod robot can also flex earthquake simulation, materials testing, flight and marine platform simulation, and human health. Aiming to be ranked in the top 5 in Australia for student experience, Adelaide University will connect some 70,000 students and bring together the best of campus life, student support, and extracurricular programmes like the Indian Students Assembly of South Australia. International students can also benefit from a wide range of scholarships for academic excellence and emerging leaders. Adelaide University is designed with lifelong learning at its centre; empowering students to be the best they can be achieved through quality of teaching, preparation for the workplace and further study, and opportunities to make lasting friendships. Students will join a growing community of more than 400,000 alumni spanning the globe. Reimagining global research and impact Adelaide University is also transforming research. Driven by purpose, it will deliver future-making research of scale and focus that is nation-critical and globally relevant. Through partnered research, it will work across the full value chain from translation to commercialisation. Its ecosystem includes the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, the world's largest centre for research into marketing and supporting global brands such as PepsiCo, BIC Corporate and LinkedIn – along with ThincLab and the Enterprise Hub, which enable entrepreneurs to develop their big ideas. This has seen initiatives such as Indian startup, Onnes Cryogenics, advancing fuel tanks for rockets and Indian space-tech startup, ResearchSat, launching its mission to revolutionise biomedical research through novel therapies with knowledge gained outside of this world. Taking AI to the next level, Adelaide University is also home to the recently established Responsible AI Research Centre. This will see world-leading researchers in tech and machine learning coming together with scientific experts to harness new technologies for good and support businesses in developing AI-enabled products and services, automating processes and improving productivity. A liveable learner's city The new Adelaide University sits within the perfect backdrop that is Adelaide, South Australia – recently ranked as the 9th most liveable city in the world by the Economist's Global Liveability Index 2025. Its rapid rise in the rankings over the past three years, speaks to the capital's vibrant culture, safety and quality of life. Its sustainability initiatives also position the city as a leader in water protection, biodiversity, climate resilience, and zero-waste initiatives. Known as a global study destination of choice, it attracts talent from India and around the world. It's a diverse and friendly learner's city for curious minds. Follow Adelaide University's story, Australia's new university for the future. Visit the website to learn more. References - new major university has,in its inaugural institutional ranking
The Guardian
a day ago
- Science
- The Guardian
Fears for South Australia's annual cuttlefish gathering amid deadly algal bloom
As thousands of giant cuttlefish gather in South Australia's Spencer Gulf, scientists are investigating emergency actions amid fears the state's toxic algal bloom could be catastrophic for the globally unique natural phenomenon. The spectacular annual cephalopod meet-up takes place in a kaleidoscope of colour off the coast of Whyalla from late May to August, attracting thousands of tourists from Australia and overseas. But this year scientists have sounded the alarm as the event – known to locals as Cuttlefest – coincides with the spread of deadly algae into the Spencer Gulf. Dr Zoe Doubleday, a marine ecologist at the University of South Australia, said the phenomenon was unique in that 'it's the only population of giant Australian cuttlefish – and only population of cuttlefish worldwide – that comes together and breeds in their tens of thousands and forms this spectacular natural wonder'. Doubleday said the short lives of the cuttlefish, and lack of generational overlap, made the Spencer Gulf population particularly vulnerable to the harmful bloom of Karenia mikimotoi algae, which has devastated marine life along the state's coastline since March. Sign up: AU Breaking News email In an emergency meeting convened by the state government on Wednesday, scientists and marine managers agreed to investigate safeguards in the event of the bloom being detected in waters off Point Lowly, where the cuttlefish gather annually. Options included looking at the feasibility of collecting an insurance population of cuttlefish eggs, something that had never been tried before. 'If it did reach the breeding aggregation, there's a good chance it could just wipe all the eggs out,' Doubleday said. 'When mum and dad die, you've just got the offspring left. If all the eggs are wiped out in the bloom – and we've seen how lethal this bloom can be – then there's no generation … left to replenish or repopulate the population.' Stefan Andrews, marine scientist at the Great Southern Reef Foundation, said if that occurred it would be 'catastrophic'. Thousands of giant cuttlefish, some measuring up to 50cm, had already arrived 'right on cue' to mate and lay eggs at the national heritage-listed Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary Zone – about 63km south of Port Augusta and 15km north-east of Whyalla – according to Andrews, who has spent hundreds of hours underwater observing the cuttlefish breeding events over the last 15 years. 'You can have tens of thousands of cuttlefish all within a pretty small area,' he said. There's some really fantastic egg-laying habitat there. It's this rocky reef that's got all the seaweeds over it. And they lay the eggs on the underside of what they call dens – little caves or rocky outcrops.' While scientists are holding out hope that cold water temperatures and high salinity in the upper Spencer Gulf would act as a buffer against the worst of the bloom, the state government is monitoring the situation closely and developing contingency plans. South Australia's environment minister, Dr Susan Close, said 'while early indications have not shown impacts of the algal bloom on the cuttlefish population, the government will continue to monitor satellite imagery and survey the cuttlefish coast'.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Leading future education with Adelaide University
Adelaide University is ranked 82 in the world in the recent 2026 QS World University Rankings, continuing the legacy of two of its former prestigious predecessors. A NEW major university is making its mark in Australia's prestigious 'Group of Eight' (Go8). Adelaide University, opening in January 2026, recently debuted in the global top 100 in the latest 2026 QS World University Rankings. Built on the collective expertise and achievements of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, the new institution cements its place in the global top 1% as one of the best universities amongst more than 15,000 worldwide. Research and industry-driven excellence For over 151 years, the University of Adelaide has championed the pursuit of new knowledge – an enduring legacy reflected in its five Australian Nobel laureates and more than 100 Rhodes Scholars. Its scientific discoveries include furthering the understanding of the space-time continuum as well as harnessing the nation's natural coastline to advance sustainable offshore energy production. The University of South Australia, on the other hand, is Australia's university of enterprise, with innovation and industry deeply embedded in its education and research. Its industry partnerships have produced Covid-19 detection drones at the height of the global pandemic and supported the production of the world's first shatterproof mirror. Drawing on the legacies of these two universities, the newly formed Adelaide University's industry-driven degrees prepare students for jobs in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) while building a skilled workforce that will boost Malaysia's economy. Curriculum for pioneers South Australia has been a place of progress, where pioneers have made breakthroughs in antibiotics, clean energy, high-tech manufacturing and space. At the centre of this enviable innovation ecosystem is the city's university sector. With more than 400 in-demand degrees and 1500 new courses, Adelaide University builds a pipeline of global talent and ethical leaders in disciplines like Health and Biomedical Sciences, Business, Marketing and Management, Information Technology, and Communication and Media. This includes a reimagined approach to work-integrated learning, offering more programme options and interdisciplinary courses that meet employers' demands. Its distinctive curriculum design will support greater study flexibility, engagement and success for its students, equipping them with what's necessary to rise up to a rapidly evolving industry. Adelaide University is among Australia's most industry-engaged universities and research partners of choice, backed by a Graduate Research School. State-of-the-art facilities Spanning the largest campus footprint in South Australia, Adelaide University boasts impressive and cutting-edge facilities. This includes the AUD$247 million Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, the first simulated financial trading room backed by industry software, and the recently established Responsible AI Research Centre that will support businesses in developing AI-enabled products and services. Adelaide University conducts large-scale research that addresses a nation's critical needs. Through partnered research, it works across the full value chain, from translation to commercialisation. Its ecosystem also includes the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute – the world's largest marketing research centre supporting global brands such as PepsiCo, BIC Corporate and LinkedIn – along with ThincLab and the Enterprise Hub, a space for entrepreneurs to breathe life into their ideas. Study in one of the world's most liveable cities Adelaide University sits within the stunning backdrop of Adelaide, ranked as the ninth most liveable city in the world by the Economist's Global Liveability Index 2025. The capital's vibrant culture, safety and quality of life make it a global study destination of choice, becoming a hub for global talents. Visit or watch Adelaide University's story to learn more about the new Australian university.
