In a recent hacking incident, it was reported that spy plans for an Australian spy headquarters worth $600 million were stolen. The hackers are reported to be Chinese and the incident is a part of the massive wave of cyber-attack on military and business allies of the United States.

Apart from the plans, the hackers have also reportedly stolen, from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, certain confidential information. It is worth noting that the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, which is a spy agency for overseas operations, is housed in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. ABC Television of Australia reported this cyber-attack on 27^th May, 2013.

According to the ABC reports, which kept the sources anonymous, cyber-attacks from Chinese hackers have, off late, become very aggressive against companies based in Australia. The report stated that companies like Codan (that manufactures civilian and military communications) and Bluescope Steel have become the targets of these hackers.

This incident was referred to as ‘security blunder of epic proportions’ by Greens party, which is the most influential political party in Australia and called for an immediate and intensive inquiry.

Despite these allegations and ABC Television reports, the Government of Australia refused to give any direct comment. The foreign minister for Australia, Mr. Bob Carr said that these reports will not affect trade relationships with China and also mentioned that China is the biggest trade partner of Australia.

The attack took place through a construction contractor’s computer in which the location of the computer networks, communication and building layout were compromised. The Australian spy headquarters or the ASIO building is being built close to Defence Signals Directorate of Australia and it is supposed to house one of the most sophisticated defenses against hacking. ASIO is a part of the network for gathering electronic intelligence. The network also includes the countries U.K. and U.S.A.

China has been again and again blamed for cyber espionage by Australian officials based in Western countries and the U.S. and they have put cyber-attacks as the prime security concern for Australia.

In March this year, the Reserve Bank of Australia also reported a hacking attack but claimed that any form of data and information were not compromised.