Australia's government and institutions have become targets of persistent and sophisticated cybercrimes, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said.
Morrison said the cyber attacks were comprehensive, attacking "all levels of government" as well as essential services and businesses, reports KOHA.
He declined to identify specific state actors and said there were no major breaches of personal data.
The attacks have occurred over the past several months and are increasing, he added.
The Prime Minister said that his announcement was aimed at increasing public awareness as well as encouraging businesses to improve protection.
Morrison did not name specific cases but said the attack had involved "governments, industries, political organizations, education, health, and operators of other critical infrastructures."
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Speaking on Friday, Prime Minister Morrison said officials had identified the attack as a cyberattack from another country "because of the scale and nature of the attack and the manner in which it was carried out," according to the BBC.
When asked if he can identify the country that attacked, he said that "he will not make it public".
It is said that China, along with Russia, Iran and North Korea are some of the few countries that have the capacity to carry out such attacks, and are not allies of Australia. Cyber espionage between states and even allies is common, according to expert Joshua Kennedy who spoke to the BBC.
