Australia strengthening cyber defences as hacker threats grow

By David Wroe
Updated August 6 2016 - 1:14am, first published 12:15am
It is feared the surge of cyber attacks may lead to sabotage, manipulation of information and even blackmail of political leaders. <i>Illustration: Stephen Clark</i>
It is feared the surge of cyber attacks may lead to sabotage, manipulation of information and even blackmail of political leaders. <i>Illustration: Stephen Clark</i>
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has pledged $230 million over four years under the Cyber Security Strategy. Photo: Fairfax Media
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has pledged $230 million over four years under the Cyber Security Strategy. Photo: Fairfax Media
Russian hackers are suspected to have struck to help Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Photo: New York Times
Russian hackers are suspected to have struck to help Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Photo: New York Times
The Australian Cyber Security Centre in Canberra reports a growing range of cybersecurity threats. Photo: Bryan Doherty
The Australian Cyber Security Centre in Canberra reports a growing range of cybersecurity threats. Photo: Bryan Doherty
Russia is widely known for the 'quality' of its hacking. <i>Illustration: Michael Mucci</i>
Russia is widely known for the 'quality' of its hacking. <i>Illustration: Michael Mucci</i>

The Australian Signals Directorate, a grey and dull-looking building in the defence precinct on a hill above Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, houses the nation's offensive cyber capability.

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