Australia probes parliament computer network breach

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Australia's security agencies are investigating a cyber breach of the country's federal parliament's computer system after it was revealed on Friday that the network had been compromised by an unspecified "security incident".

"Following a security incident on the parliamentary computing network, a number of measures have been implemented to protect the network and its users," parliamentary authorities said in a statement.

Officials declined to comment on the nature of the cybersecurity breach but said there was no initial evidence that data had been accessed.

"We have no evidence that this is an attempt to influence the outcome of parliamentary processes or to disrupt or influence electoral or political processes," a statement said.

"Our immediate focus has been on securing the network and protecting data and users."

All parliamentary passwords were reset as a precaution.

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) confirmed it was working with the parliament in response to the attack, a move that indicates that sophisticated actors may be involved.

National broadcaster ABC reported intelligence agencies were looking into whether foreign governments could be behind the attack.

"ASD and its Australian Cyber Security Centre will continue to work with (Parliament) to understand the full extent of this network compromise," an ASD spokesperson said.

"Meanwhile, the necessary steps are being taken to mitigate the compromise and prevent any harm."

(Cover: An aerial view of the Australian Parliament House in Canberra. /VCG Photo)

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Source(s): AFP