ASIO report to Parliament 2010-11

• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)

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12 October 2011Despite some significant counter-terrorism successes and an increase in our understanding of the use of cyber-technologies, the fundamentals of the Australian security environment remain largely unchanged.Espionage, foreign interference and terrorism present first-order threats to life, to the preservation of our freedoms, to political sovereignty and to economic prosperity.

Australia is, and will remain, a terrorist target for the foreseeable future. Jihadist terrorism remains the most immediate security threat. In addition to the threat posed by established groups such as al-Qa’ida and its affiliates, stand-alone jihadists or small groups — often with tenuous or no links to established groups — continue to emerge with increasing frequency.

Espionage is an enduring security threat to Australia. Espionage by cyber means — one aspect of the larger threat — is emerging as a serious and widespread concern that will continue to gain prominence given Australia’s increasing reliance on technology in commercial, government and military business.

The security challenges for Australia represented by espionage, terrorism and foreign interference will not diminish in the near term. Partnerships, both across Australia’s national security community and with like-minded international intelligence organisations, will remain critical to ensuring Australia remains equipped to deal with these challenges.

Image: [ henning ] / flickr