Spy boss warns MPs about talking in cars

MPs and public servants have been warned not to discuss secret or sensitive matters while on the road, amid a global climate of escalating surveillance and cyber-warfare.

ASIO deputy director-general Lisa Alonso Love gave the warning to a Senate Estimates hearing last night.

"In relation to any vehicle, whether it's connected or not, we would suggest that members of parliament or public servants do not have conversations that contain sensitive or classified information," she said.

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While internet-connected cars are considered more vulnerable to electronic surveillance, Love said the risk was more widespread.

"Obviously, a connected car may have other vectors to gather that information, but those conversations should only ever happen in places that are set up for classified conversations," she said.

"We would say that people should be conscious of the things that they are discussing in vehicles, knowing that people may be able to get that information."

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A "connected" vehicle is one connected to the internet, such as through an inbuilt SIM card or a paired smartphone, according to government guidelines.

This doesn't just mean electric vehicles, as most new cars are manufactured with some form of connection.

It's estimated that by 2031, CVs will make up 93 per cent of all new vehicles in the country, emphasising the need for enhanced security awareness.

Find out more about personal protection procedures online here.