With elections just weeks away, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Monday that the country’s three main political parties were hacked by a “sophisticated state actor.”

The Australian Cyber Security Centre head, Alastair MacGibbon, said that it’s unknown exactly what data might have been accessed in the breach, adding, “We are piecing together all of the events.” The Liberal, National and Labor parties’ networks were all hit by the attack.

Morrison (pictured) assured the public that the hack had been nipped in the bud, stating that the country’s “political system and our democracy remains strong, vibrant and is protected.”

“Let me be clear, there is no evidence of any electoral interference,” said Morrison. “We have put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system.”

The identity of the hackers remains unknown, partly because they used tools that had not been seen before by the forensics team, according to security experts inside the government. The ACSC has said investigations are ongoing and it’s currently “offering technical support, focused on securing the networks and protecting users.”

The attack was initially thought to have involved only Australia’s parliament servers, but later the investigation revealed that it was far wider-reaching. The PM hasn’t said whom the perpetrators are, but there has been speculation in the media that China is behind the hack.

China’s foreign ministry has called the allegations “irresponsible” and “baseless.” Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said it’s up to the international community to discuss such attacks with mutual respect and open dialogue. He added that such media speculation only undermines China’s relationship with Australia.

“One should present abundant evidence when investigating and determining the nature of a cyberspace activity, instead of making baseless speculations and firing indiscriminate shots at others,” Shuang said in a statement. “Irresponsible reports, accusations, pressurizing and sanctions will only heighten tensions and confrontation in cyberspace and poison the atmosphere for cooperation.”

Photo: Michel Temer/Flickr