Aussie Companies: Beware of Cyber Attacks

The Australian Security Intelligence Organization has warned Australian companies against cyber attacks.

Its director general David Irvine said most online attacks on companies are undetected and Aussie firms should be much more careful.

Irvine said executives must be careful in handling their mobile phones or laptops. They should not leave these devices alone whether in hotel rooms or when travelling. Sensitive data stored in these devices can be stolen easily.

Irvine also said that executives should exercise caution when storing data in the “cloud.”

The ASIO director general also said that protecting information should be a priority of the government. Information, including defense and government secrets, is vital to the country’s economy.

Irvine said that as the society and economy become more “Internet dependent,” there is also a downside to this. Vulnerabilities that were never addressed would be even more accentuated.

Irvine also said the threats become greater during overseas trips. Exposure of mobile devices to customs barriers and hotels can compromise information.  Data can easily be converted while malicious software can easily be added.

He reiterated that these should never be left alone.

It is a well-known trivia that many Aussie companies take “clean” devices when travelling overseas like Russia and China. Online espionage is a highly sophisticated activity and Irvine said it’s better if executives just dispose of the gadgets when they come home.