In consultation with our partners, and that includes the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, the government has determined that China’s ministry of state security exploited vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange software.
This targeted thousands of computers and networks worldwide, including in Australia. It opened the door for cybercriminals to exploit the private sector for illicit gain. All countries, including China, should act responsibly in cyberspace. In the past, Australia has publicly attributed malicious cyber-activity to Iran, China, North Korea and Russia.
Australia publicly attributes cyber-incidents when it’s in our interests to do so, especially those with the potential to undermine global economic growth, national security and international stability.