Security News > 2020 > June > Australia Under 'Malicious' Cyberattacks From State Actor
Australia's prime minister said Friday his country was under a broad cyberattack from a "State-based actor" targeting government, public services and businesses, with suspicions falling on China.
Australia enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and by accusing China of fuelling a virus "Infodemic" and engaging in economic "Coercion".
China - increasingly unwilling to tolerate criticism of its more aggressive foreign policies - has warned its students and tourists against going to Australia, threatened more sanctions and sentenced an Australian citizen to death for drug trafficking.
Last year Australia's parliament and political parties were targeted by state-backed actors, with China seen as the likely culprit.
Australia is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network - along with Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States - which give the country access to advanced capabilities, but also makes it a rich target for adversaries.