Peter Dutton confirms push to expand powers of cyber spy agency to monitor domestic threats

A push to expand the powers of the country’s cyber spy agency to collect intelligence on Australians is being backed by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.

Key points:
Secretaries of Home Affairs, Defence have discussed giving Australian Signals Directorate more powers
Proposal would enable ASD to conduct “penetration tests” on Australian companies without their permission
Peter Dutton stressed need to be aware of cyber threats with both domestic and international bases
The controversial idea to restructure the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is strongly opposed by some in Cabinet who argue it is not necessary.

The ABC understands Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo and Defence secretary Greg Moriarty have discussed giving ASD a domestic role with three elements.

via Peter Dutton confirms push to expand powers of cyber spy agency to monitor domestic threats – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)