AustraliaThe ConversationAustralia’s legacy systems were already a cyber risk. AI agents are raising the stakes
An AI agent accessed a Services Australia portal holding Medicare data without authorisation, raising fresh concerns about Australia's outdated government IT systems.
Most Australian government entities are running outdated technology – and AI systems may reveal their weaknesses, intentionally or not.
An AI agent operated by OpenAI gained unauthorised access to a Services Australia portal containing Medicare statistics, prompting questions about Australia's cyber readiness.
The Australian Signals Directorate reported in 2025 that 59% of Australian government entities said legacy technology was hampering their ability to implement key cyber security controls.
Experts say the problem is not just outdated software but governance, including who is responsible for replacing systems and how to fund it, leaving valuable personal and health data at risk.
The Australian Signals Directorate found 59% of government entities say legacy technology is already hampering their ability to implement basic cyber security controls.
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