Australia: China-based computer stole diagrams of Aussie spy agency HQ

Hackers traced to a Chinese server stole designs for the future headquarters of Australia’s espionage department.  Australian government officials are now confirming the breach, following news reports last week about the situation.

Australian Broadcasting Corp. had reported that China could use the blueprints to bug the facility. But The Australian newspaper reported days later that the plans were stolen at least three years ago and the agency's operations are no longer at risk.

Senior opposition lawmaker George Brandis said after a confidential briefing with Australian Security Intelligence Organization officials: "I can say this is a very serious matter; ASIO has dealt with it; beyond that I'm not sure that there's a lot I can say.”

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. story had reported that a computer infiltration at a government contractor exposed plans, including communications cabling, server locations and security systems, and had been linked to a Chinese server.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei responded: “Since it is technically untraceable, it is very difficult to find the source and identify the hacker . . . Therefore we have no idea what is the evidence for their report in which they make the claim with such certainty."

The 630 million Australian dollar ($608 million) facility is near completion in the national capital.