Defence members urged to stay alert

Defence personnel have been urged to exercise caution after a terrorist group Islamic State posted a hit list online, naming some defence members.

Defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said law enforcement agencies were looking into this while Defence and security services were seeking to determine how they got this information.

He said this incident was a reminder to remain alert about personal safety.

Defence isn't changing its threat level and there's no change in the advice to defence members about wearing their uniforms in public.

"You should continue to exercise caution and common sense, particularly in public and online," Air Chief Marshal Binskin said in a memo.

A group calling itself the Islamic State Hacking Division posted the list of more than 1400 names and contact details last Wednesday. It called for IS supporters to use this information to conduct "lone wolf" attacks.

Most were US defence personnel but it included eight Australians, including a Victorian MP and some defence personnel.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said defence personnel should be careful about the information they posted online and regularly review online security settings.

He suggested Defence members consider downloading a smartphone application which links location to emergency services. Anyone or their family who felt immediately threatened should call triple zero.