http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20476899-31477,00.html Natalie O'Brien and Patrick Walters September 26, 2006 AUSTRALIA'S defence industry could be seen as a soft espionage target for foreign governments trying to steal national secrets, the nation's top spy has warned. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation director-general Paul O'Sullivan said defence industry businesses that were developing or had access to sensitive technology and information could be earmarked by foreign spies. "There is little doubt that, given the opportunity, some governments would seek to obtain this information or technology for their own benefit," Mr O'Sullivan said. "In fact, some governments may view Australia's defence industry as a potential soft target to obtain such material." Defence experts say the industry is a target of high interest to foreign intelligence services because of the cutting-edge technologies that are being developed in Australia, including highly sophisticated electronic warfare systems, undersea warfare technologies and military radar and communications systems. The Australian reported last year that federal government sources believed that China, despite its denials, had more spies in this country than any other country, including Russia. Mr O'Sullivan also spoke about traditional security threats during a speech to a business lunch in Sydney last Friday. The espionage chief said counter-terrorism had been ASIO's main focus of operations since the September 11 attacks on the US, but it should be remembered that Australia's security environment "consists of other elements that pose a threat to our interests ... such as the protection of Australians from espionage, sabotage, the promotion of communal violence, attacks on Australia's defence system and acts of foreign interference". _________________________________ Visit the InfoSec News store! http://www.shopinfosecnews.org
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