ASIO Warning: Do Not Discuss State Secrets in Your Car
ASIO has issued a stark warning to public officials: treat every vehicle as a potential listening device.
The Warning
At a recent Senate Estimates hearing, ASIO deputy director-general Lisa Alonso Love delivered a clear directive to MPs and public servants. She warned them not to discuss sensitive or classified information in any vehicle, regardless of whether it is connected to the internet.
"Such conversations should only occur in places designed for classified discussions."
While internet-connected cars are considered more vulnerable to electronic surveillance, Love stressed that the risk extends to all vehicles.
The Background
The warning highlights the growing security concerns surrounding modern transportation. A "connected" vehicle is defined by government guidelines as one connected to the internet, either via an inbuilt SIM card or a paired smartphone.
- Most new cars are now manufactured with some form of connection.
- It is estimated that by 2031, connected vehicles will account for 93% of all new vehicles in the country.
This rapid increase underscores the urgent need for heightened security awareness among those who handle sensitive information.