A new security campaign designed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has been launched to raise awareness of the threat of malicious social media users.
The campaign Think Before You Link seeks to educate current and former security clearance holders to understand the signs of a troublesome approach online.
In a statement, ASIO urged the users of social media to Think Before You Link to unknown people or profiles, and to pause before they post professional and personal information online.
“It may be used by foreign spies or others to identify and then target you,” ASIO said.
“If a stranger reaches out online, ask yourself if you really know who you are talking to,” it said.
“The friendly, generous young person claiming to be a global head-hunter or think tank researcher might be trying to win your trust and steal your secrets.”
ASIO said that through real-life examples and the experiences of others, the campaign would help individuals and organisations understand the warning signs of a malicious approach and how to respond.
“Social media and online networking have changed the way we connect with friends and build our professional lives,” it said.
“While social networks play an important role helping us keep in touch, they can also pose a significant security risk if not used with caution.
“Consider carefully what information about you is available online, and how this could contribute to you or your colleagues being targeted or placed in a situation that could harm you, your friends, your employer and, ultimately, Australia’s national security.”
ASIO said networking platforms attracted the attention of people wanting to know about you for the wrong reasons.
“Foreign spies, their agents and proxies are actively conducting espionage and foreign interference in Australia, which poses a serious threat to our nation and its security,” the Organisation said.
“Ordinary and seemingly harmless post updates and new contacts can give identity thieves, cyber-criminals and foreign agents information to steal your identity or discover important data they can use against you,” it said.
