Australians are the target of spies, more than at any time before.

That’s according to Mike Burgess, Director-General of ASIO.

In just the past three years, 24 espionage and foreign interference operations targeting Australia have been prevented.

For context, that’s more than the previous eight years combined.

Now, Burgess warns, foreign agents have a new target – the AUKUS deal. Specifically, defence employees endeavouring to develop Australia’s nuclear capabilities.

Some employees are even giving them a leg up, gloating about their involvement on sites including LinkedIn.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who oversees ASIO, has weighed in making it clear that if you’re privy to sensitive information, you should not advertise it on social media.

Although one might think this goes without saying, it seems many are in dire need of a reminder.

ASIO bosses have revealed to 10 News+ that 400 people explicitly say they work on AUKUS, while 35,000 Australians infer they have access to sensitive and potentially classified information online.

Watch more from 10 News+ at 10.com.au