Australia’s Federal Cyber, Signals Intelligence Agency Gets New Head

The deputy director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)—a key agency in the ongoing battle against foreign-initiated cyber-attacks—will take on the top role next month.
Abigail Bradshaw will succeed outgoing Director-General Rachel Noble, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Aug. 26.
The ASD collects and analyses electronic signals from communications systems, radio frequencies, and electronic data transmissions.
It says it defends Australia’s interests by “mastering technology to inform, protect, and disrupt.”
In addition to cyber threats, it intercepts intelligence related to issues of national interest, such as terrorism, the proliferation of weapons, and organised crime.
Before becoming ASD’s deputy in March 2020, Bradshaw was head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, where she led responses to major cyber incidents.
Albanese said the appointment came “at a time of increasingly complex geostrategic challenge” and that Bradshaw’s expertise in both cyber and national security matters “will be critically important in leading ASD to continue protecting our nation.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Bradshaw was well equipped to lead the directorate in efforts against global cyber threats.
In her role as head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre, she strengthened relationships with key figures in the cyber field, including within Australia’s Five Eyes partners.
“ASD’s focus will remain steadfast on continuing our proud history of support to the Australian Defence Force, collecting foreign signals intelligence, conducting cyber offensive operations and protecting Australians from cyber threats,” she said.
“I look forward to leading the incredible, mission-focused team at ASD as we continue to advance Australia’s national interests.”
As well as her four years as deputy director-general, Bradshaw has served in the Royal Australian Navy, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
ASD has embarked on a major capacity increase, which it rather creatively calls REDSPICE (Resilience—Effects—Defence—Space—Intelligence—Cyber—Enablers). When complete, it will give the agency three times the current offensive cyber capability, twice the capacity in “persistent cyber-hunt activities,” and four times its existing global footprint.
The project employs advanced AI, machine learning, and cloud technology and will employ 1,900 new analysts, technologists and related roles.