Defence Signals Directorate

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Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) is an Australian government intelligence agency responsible for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and information security (INFOSEC).

1 Overview
2 Facilities
3 Naming
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Overview

According to its website, DSD has two principal functions:

to collect and disseminate foreign signals intelligence;
to provide information security products and services to the Australian Government and its Defence Force.

Based in Canberra, it operates monitoring facilities at Kojarena, Western Australia and at Shoal Bay, Northern Territory, which are believed to be part of the ECHELON system. It may also play a role in Pine Gap.

Under the 1948 UKUSA agreement, DSD's intelligence is shared with its foreign partner agencies:

National Security Agency (NSA) — United States
Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) — United Kingdom
Communications Security Establishment (CSE) — Canada
Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) — New Zealand

[edit] Facilities

The DSD operates at least two receiving stations: the Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station (ADSCS), located at Kojarena, near Geraldton in Western Australia, and the Shoal Bay Receiving Station, located at Shoal Bay, Northern Territory. These stations contribute signals intelligence for many Australian Government bodies, as well as the wider UKUSA partners. The DSD also maintains a strong workforce at Pine Gap in central Australia.

In addition, many embassies and overseas missions also provide a return flow of signals intelligence. The most prevalent sources are in Malaysia and Indonesia, targeting mainly high level politicians and defence personnel.