Sydney, November 12, 2025 — Australia’s top intelligence official has warned that hackers working for China’s government and military have probed the nation’s telecommunications networks and critical infrastructure, raising concerns over potential economic disruption and sabotage.

Mike Burgess, Director-General of Security at the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said during a business conference in Melbourne on Wednesday that cyber espionage cost Australia an estimated A$12.5 billion ($8.1 billion) last year, including a A$2 billion loss in trade secrets and intellectual property.

---

Chinese Hackers Identified

Burgess singled out two hacking groups, Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon, describing them as “hackers working for Chinese government intelligence and their military.” He highlighted that these groups had targeted both telecommunications systems and critical infrastructure in Australia, mirroring previous operations in the United States.

“We have seen Chinese hackers probing our critical infrastructure as well,” Burgess said, warning that the threat is not hypothetical.

He further noted that Volt Typhoon had been preparing to disrupt critical operations, potentially affecting areas such as banking, transport, and utilities, including water and power supplies.

---

Economic and Security Risks

The ASIO chief emphasized the serious economic consequences of such cyber operations. Scenarios he outlined include:

• Australian companies being compromised to benefit foreign competitors
• Public panic or disruption during sensitive periods such as national elections
• Potential sabotage of key infrastructure, causing widespread operational and financial damage

“Foreign governments have elite teams investigating these possibilities right now,” Burgess said.

---

China’s Response

The remarks were strongly rejected by Beijing, with a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, Guo Jiakun, calling the claims a “false narrative” and accusing Australia of deliberately provoking confrontation. Chinese officials have reportedly lodged complaints with both the Australian government and private sector whenever ASIO publicly discussed these threats.

Despite diplomatic pressure, Burgess stressed that such criticisms would not deter ASIO’s mission or resolve.

---

Background: Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon

• Salt Typhoon: Previously penetrated U.S. telecom systems in strategic espionage campaigns and is reported to be targeting Australian networks.
• Volt Typhoon: Focused on pre-positioning for potential sabotage of critical infrastructure, with an emphasis on creating operational disruptions.

Burgess’s warnings highlight the ongoing cybersecurity risks faced by advanced economies, particularly as nations increasingly rely on digital networks and automated systems to maintain essential services.

---

Outlook

Australia is intensifying its cyber defense measures, particularly in telecommunications, energy, and financial sectors, to counter the growing sophistication of state-sponsored hacking groups. Experts say that ongoing collaboration between government agencies and private sector partners is essential to mitigate the risk of espionage, sabotage, and economic disruption.

“It won’t stop my resolve,” Burgess said, reaffirming ASIO’s commitment to protecting Australia’s national security and critical infrastructure.