Asio warns politicians and public servants over internet-connected car bugging risk
The Story
Australia’s security intelligence organisation, Asio, has warned politicians and public servants not to discuss sensitive government information in internet-connected cars due to the risk of electronic eavesdropping. The warning was communicated to government amid a surge in demand for electric vehicles, but was not specific about country of origin or carmaker. Separately, flood warnings have been issued after wild weather in several states.
Key Facts
- Asio warned politicians and public servants against discussing sensitive government information in internet-connected cars because of the risk of electronic eavesdropping.
- Deputy director general Lisa Alonso Love told a budget estimates hearing that the warning was not specific about country of origin or carmaker.
- Asio said discussing classified or sensitive information outside the workplace is always a risk, especially in vehicles that send realtime information back to the manufacturer.
- The Australian Signals Directorate has already published advice about the risks posed by connected vehicles.
- The NSW SES issued a warning for parts of the Upper Hunter, forecasting heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.
- Tasmania SES issued a flood warning for Royal George, Avoca and surrounding low-lying areas.
- People in low-lying areas were told to monitor conditions and prepare to move to safety if conditions worsen.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Lisa Alonso Love, deputy director general of Asio
- NSW SES (New South Wales State Emergency Service)
- Tasmania SES (Tasmania State Emergency Service)
Sources: The Guardian
