Spies snoop on social media, says ASIO

Spy chief Mike Burgess has warned that foreign spies are using social media and professional networking sites as ‘fertile hunting grounds’ to recruit Australians.

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess. Picture: Gary Ramage

Spy chief Mike Burgess has warned that foreign spies are using social media and professional networking sites as ­“fertile hunting grounds” to recruit Australians with access to sensitive information.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation director-general said the spy agency’s first public information campaign was designed to raise awareness about foreign intelligence services targeting Australians online.

The Think Before You Link campaign launched on Tuesday, developed in partnership with Five Eyes partners, provides advice on how Australians can protect themselves from foreign interference.

Mr Burgess said ASIO had identified multiple countries using social media to “identify, groom and recruit” Australians. “Hostile foreign intelligence agencies have always sought ­access to personal information because they want to cultivate and recruit potential targets as sources,” Mr Burgess said.

“In the past, attempted recruitment was time-intensive, expensive and risky because the foreign intelligence officers would need to operate on location and in person.

“Now they use the internet to work from … their overseas headquarters, sending thousands of friend and networking requests with the click of a mouse.”

The campaign, launched in response to a “disturbing number of suspicious approaches worldwide”, comes after former CIA officer Kevin Mallory was convicted of espionage after being recruited by Chinese agents via LinkedIn.

Mr Burgess said ASIO, in tandem with Five Eyes partners, was focusing on “individuals and groups who are likely to be targeted by foreign intelligence services, particularly those who have ­access to sensitive information”.

“But our message also applies to all Australians: be mindful of what personal and professional information you post online — foreign intelligence services can use it to identify you, target you and groom you,” he said.

The ASIO campaign is targeted at Australians with current or former security clearances or access to sensitive information, including those working in the defence industry, government and academia.

The campaign includes booklets and guides for organisations, briefing packs for senior security managers and a “conversation starter” animation.

ASIO will work with government departments and agencies in advising staff on how to avoid becoming targets.