The deputy director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) will assume the top role next month, according to an announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Abigail Bradshaw, currently serving as the deputy director-general, will succeed outgoing Director-General Rachel Noble. The ASD is a crucial agency in the ongoing fight against foreign-initiated cyber-attacks.
The ASD’s primary function is to collect and analyze electronic signals from various communication systems, radio frequencies, and electronic data transmissions. Its mission is to inform, protect, and disrupt in order to defend Australia’s interests. In addition to countering cyber threats, the ASD also intercepts intelligence related to national concerns such as terrorism, weapons proliferation, and organized crime.
Before her appointment as deputy director-general in March 2020, Bradshaw held the position of head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre. During her tenure there, she led responses to significant cyber incidents. Her expertise in both cyber and national security matters makes her well-suited for leading efforts against global cyber threats at the helm of the directorate.
Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that Bradshaw’s appointment comes at a time when complex geostrategic challenges are on the rise. He believes that her expertise will be crucial in ensuring that ASD continues its mission of protecting Australia.
Defence Minister Richard Marles expressed confidence in Bradshaw’s ability to lead ASD effectively. As head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre previously, she fostered strong relationships with key figures within Australia’s Five Eyes partners and other important players in cybersecurity.
Bradshaw herself stated that it is an honor for her to be named as ASD’s newest director-general. She affirmed that their focus would remain on supporting the Australian Defence Force while collecting foreign signals intelligence and conducting offensive cyber operations.
It should be noted that ASD has undertaken a major capacity increase initiative known as REDSPICE (Resilience—Effects—Defence—Space—Intelligence—Cyber—Enablers). This project aims to enhance offensive cyber capability by threefold compared to current levels while doubling capacity for persistent cyber-hunt activities and quadrupling its global footprint. Advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud technology will play a significant role in this expansion effort which will result in 1,900 new positions being created within ASD for analysts and technologists.