Australia's Cyber Agency Warns Online Services Will Go Down as AI-Fuelled Threats Rise

Australians have been told to expect essential online services to go offline without warning, as the country's signals intelligence agency warns that artificial intelligence is making digital attacks more dangerous than ever.

In its annual cyber threat report, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) said system security must take priority over system availability, meaning more services could be pulled offline while they are secured.

The report revealed the ASD responded to 1,500 cybersecurity incidents in the 2025-26 year, up 20% on the previous year, and notified organisations of more than 4,400 potential malicious cyber incidents, an 80% increase.

The agency warned that hostile foreign governments, criminals and hackers are using AI to gather intelligence, disrupt critical infrastructure and steal money, and said defenders must use the same technology to keep pace. "We need AI tools to help automate our defences to stay ahead of AI-enabled attackers," director general Abigail Bradshaw said.

The ASD said government and private networks faced persistent breach attempts from state-based actors, including those in the Indo-Pacific who may be preparing for future conflicts. It also flagged outdated, unsupported technology as among the biggest risks and most attractive targets for hackers.

Defence minister Richard Marles said Australians must strengthen their cyber defences while harnessing AI's benefits, while home affairs and cybersecurity minister Tony Burke said the government was positioning Australia to respond to evolving threats and opportunities from emerging technologies.

Bradshaw urged organisations to update their systems, seek ASD help and report suspicious incidents, adding: "In a threat environment transformed by AI, collective action is our strongest defence."

Source: The Guardian