The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is a vital member of Australia’s national security community. We work across the full spectrum of operations required of contemporary signals intelligence and security agencies. This includes foreign intelligence, cyber security and offensive cyber operations supporting the Australian Government and Australian Defence Force (ADF).
We employ talented and dedicated people with diverse skills willing to overcome challenges in support of Australia’s interests. ASD is a world-class intelligence, covert effects, and cyber security agency because of the talented, inventive and diverse people that comprise the organisation, and the innovative technologies they employ.
ASD is a statutory agency within the Defence Portfolio with functions established by the Intelligence Services Act 2001, and its priorities are set by the National Security Committee of Cabinet. The ISA specifies that the organisation’s functions are to:
- collect foreign signals intelligence
- communicate foreign signals intelligence
- prevent and disrupt offshore cyber-enabled crime
- provide cyber security advice and assistance to Australian governments, businesses and individuals
- support military operations
- protect the specialised tools ASD uses to fulfil its functions
- cooperate with, and assist, the national security community’s performance of its functions.
A unique team
The organisation seeks to recruit and develop a curious and imaginative workforce which is not deterred by difficult challenges.
This combination of a uniquely skilled workforce, empowered by innovative technology, enabled by responsible financial management, and leveraging partner capabilities, positions the organisation to deliver trusted intelligence, cyber security expertise and offensive cyber operations for Australia’s national interest.
Intelligence analysts at ASD play a critical role in analysing intercepted signals, communications, and other intelligence sources. They examine data, apply analytical techniques and produce reports on various topics of interest to the Australian Government. These analysts often specialise in specific regions, technologies, or intelligence disciplines. Analysing foreign signals intelligence requires a systematic approach and a combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and knowledge of intelligence methodologies.
Technical specialists at ASD are experts in areas such as communications systems and computer networks. They design, develop, and maintain the technical capabilities required for signals intelligence operations. Their expertise is crucial for intercepting and analysing electronic communications, identifying vulnerabilities in information systems, and developing advanced cyber defence capabilities.
Skilled corporate professionals enable ASD to achieve its mission. Working across ASD they perform critical functions to ensure we keep Australia secure. No matter their speciality in project management, finance, policy or HR. They use their expertise to enable the functioning of a modern intelligence agency. Opportunities are available across almost every discipline; the variety of roles are endless.
Minister for Defence
The Minister for Defence is responsible for the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).
Director-General ASD Ms Rachel Noble PSM
The Director-General leads ASD and is responsible to the Minister for Defence.
Rachel Noble is the Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate. Prior to this, Rachel was the Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre in the Australian Signals Directorate.
Rachel was previously the Deputy Secretary Executive Group in the Department of Home Affairs, overseeing the delivery of the department’s executive functions including media, ministerial and parliamentary services, integrity, security, risk and assurance, as well as intelligence and the countering violent extremism centre. She previously led the Home Affairs Implementation Team to stand up the Home Affairs Portfolio.
In 2014, Rachel was promoted to Deputy Secretary Policy Group in the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), which included responsibility for trade, customs, immigration and international policy. This promotion followed the merger of DIBP with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, which Rachel joined in 2013 as the National Director Intelligence and Chief Information Officer.
Rachel has also served the Department of Defence in many roles during her career. Her SES appointments in Defence include First Assistant Secretary Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication, responsible for providing advice on parliamentary, media, information management, records management policy, FOI and executive coordination issues; Assistant Secretary Governance, responsible for the overall governance and assurance framework for Defence; Assistant Secretary Americas, North and South Asia, Europe in the International Policy Division; and Deputy Chief of Facility at the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap.
Rachel also held the position of National Security Chief Information Officer and Cyber Policy Coordinator in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and was responsible for improving information-sharing among the national security community and coordinating whole-of-government policy on cyber issues. Rachel received a Public Service Medal for this work.
Rachel has a Masters of Business Administration in Technology Management and a Bachelor of Science with Honours.
Director-General ASD Speeches and Statements
ASD organisation chart
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence The Hon Richard Marles MP
Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security The Hon Clare O'Neil MP
Director-General Ms Rachel Noble PSM
Head, Australian Cyber Security Centre Ms Abigail Bradshaw CSC
Deputy Director-General SIGINT and Effects Mr Cameron Ashe
Deputy Director-General Capability and Transformation Mr Ben Staughton
Chief Operating Officer Mr Dale Furse