An Australian journalist has revealed that she was the target of a sophisticated two-month cyber-espionage operation orchestrated by Iranian intelligence, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly gaining access to her personal emails and information. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has confirmed Iran’s involvement and expressed concern over the increasing threat posed by the regime to Australians on home soil.

The journalist, well known for her work on the origins of Covid-19 and support for Israel, said the infiltration began in August when she received a direct message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) from a former senior Trump administration official with whom she had previously collaborated. Unbeknownst to her, the official’s genuine account had been compromised by Iranian operatives who exploited the “delegate feature” to manage the account covertly.

The initial communication offered an opportunity to engage with a purported team from the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., via encrypted messaging apps and video calls. While attempts to connect were unsuccessful or suspicious, it was only after the operation ended in October that the extent of the breach became clear. Iranian hackers had accessed her Google Drive, containing personal and professional correspondence.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess described the operation as a “relatively sophisticated, targeted social engineering campaign,” employing professional intelligence techniques aimed at gaining access through deceptive online interactions. Burgess emphasized the broader context, noting Iran’s sustained interest in Australia as a target for covert actions, including potential acts of violence and sabotage.

“This is part of Iran’s anti-America, anti-Israel, antisemitic agenda,” Burgess said. “Nation states like Iran are prepared to cover acts of violence or direct covert acts of violence across the globe, including here in Australia.”

Following the revelations, Australian Federal and New South Wales Police cybercrime units launched investigations linking the operation to the IRGC-associated “Charming Kitten” group, a state-sponsored cyber-espionage actor active since at least 2014. Cybersecurity experts note that Charming Kitten has targeted activists, academics, journalists, and government personnel worldwide, often employing fake profiles and phishing attacks.

Burgess also disclosed that this journalist was not the only prominent Australian targeted by Iranian intelligence this year. Michael Kroger, a commentator on the journalist’s television program and former Victorian Liberal Party president known for his support of Israel and Jewish communities, was identified on an Iranian “to-do list.” ASIO reportedly informed Kroger early, enabling preventive measures before any breach occurred.

Chair of Australia’s Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security Raff Ciccone condemned the targeting of Australian journalists, calling it an attack on democratic freedoms. He urged continued vigilance and praised security agencies for their efforts to counter such threats.

The journalist described the experience as deeply unsettling, highlighting the personal impact on her and her family. She stressed the need for Australian political leaders to recognize the direct and growing threat posed by Iran, which she links to previous attacks on Jewish sites in Australia, including the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue and an arson attack in Sydney.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and ASIO have pledged ongoing support for those targeted and remain focused on safeguarding Australia’s national security against foreign interference.