Iranian Hackers Suspected in Austal Cyber Attack

• 11.13.2018, 10:19
•  Europe,  Near East,  World

BBC.com

Iranian hackers are believed to be responsible for a cyber security breach and extortion attempt on Australia's biggest defence exporter, ABC reports.

Perth-based shipbuilder Austal earlier this month revealed an "unknown offender" had hacked into its computer systems, accessing staff email addresses and phone numbers as well as ship drawings and designs.

Some of the information was then offered for sale on the dark web in an apparent extortion attempt.

The ABC can reveal the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has determined the attack was most likely carried out by Iranian hackers.

The head of the ACSC, Alastair MacGibbon, would not confirm the nationality but said the hackers failed to steal sensitive information.

"We don't like anyone breaking into any type of business, particularly defence contractors, but I can say that nothing of national security significance was taken," he said.

Mr MacGibbon likened the attack to a "ram-raid", suggesting the hackers stole as much information as they could until they were detected and shut out.

"The fact that this material was put on the dark web to sell to the highest bidder would have to suggest it's a criminal matter," he said.

It is unclear whether the group was linked to the Iranian Government, but the breach was detected in mid-October, around the time Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australia would review its support for the Iran nuclear deal.

However, Mr MacGibbon played down any link, saying it did not appear the breach was in response to any Government announcement.

A spokesperson for the Iranian Embassy in Canberra strongly denied his country was responsible, adding Iran "had high respect for Australia".