Foreign Spies Use LinkedIn to Target Defense Workers
Australia’s top intelligence agency has issued a serious warning: spies from foreign countries are using LinkedIn to gather secrets. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) revealed that workers involved in defense programs, especially those linked to AUKUS, are being targeted.
AUKUS is a powerful partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It focuses on sharing nuclear-powered submarine technology and other defense cooperation. But this valuable information has caught the attention of foreign spies.
According to ASIO, these spies are creating fake LinkedIn profiles and pretending to be recruiters or professionals. They then try to connect with Australian defense workers online. Once they build trust, they begin asking for details about projects, job roles, or even security access. This information can be used to plan attacks or recruit insiders to betray their country.
The threat is not just about one person. By collecting information from many LinkedIn users, spies can figure out who works where, what they know, and how to approach them. It’s like putting together a puzzle — and once it’s complete, they gain dangerous insight into sensitive operations.
ASIO has already stopped 24 major spy plots in the past three years. That’s more than during the Cold War era. And the attacks are becoming smarter and harder to detect.
Spy Activities Costing Australia $12.5 Billion Every Year
The danger isn’t just about stolen secrets — it’s also hurting Australia’s economy. According to ASIO, the country is losing around $12.5 billion each year due to espionage. That’s a huge cost for a problem many people didn’t even know existed.
The money lost includes stolen research, interrupted projects, damaged data systems, and extra security costs. Spies are not only watching defense workers. They are also trying to break into government buildings, private companies, and even media outlets.
Your phone is spying on you: 20 free apps exposed in shocking privacy breach report
Some spies have even tried to enter restricted science labs or use personal relationships to steal classified data. These are not just online attacks — they involve real-world actions that are putting Australia’s safety and financial security at risk.
Critical places like data centers and public buildings are also under threat. With terrorism concerns rising, ASIO says that stronger protection is needed. They’re asking everyone, especially those working in important roles, to be more careful about what they share online.
LinkedIn Poses Growing Risk to National Security
LinkedIn was created to help professionals network and grow their careers. But now, it’s being used as a trap. ASIO is warning that even a simple profile update or job description can give away too much.
For example, if someone posts that they work on a secret submarine project or have access to certain systems, that’s a signal to spies. They can then try to start conversations, ask questions, and dig deeper without raising suspicion.
Spies from countries like Russia have been linked to many of these fake profiles. They use friendly messages and attractive job offers to make contact. But behind the screen, their goal is to steal information that could weaken Australia’s defense and help enemy nations.
This danger doesn’t just affect defense workers. University staff, researchers, and people in high-tech industries are also being watched. Spies look for anyone who might have access to valuable information or systems.
ASIO is asking everyone to think before they post. Avoid sharing sensitive work details, security clearances, or anything that could be useful to someone with bad intentions.
This warning is not just about protecting jobs — it’s about protecting Australia’s national security. Everyone has a role to play in keeping the country safe, especially in a world where digital tools can be used for harm just as easily as for good.
