Chinese computer hackers have once again been accused of launching attacks on classified Australian government computer networks.

The cyberattacks have prompted an internal review of IT security, Fairfax newspapers report. The federal government will spend $70 million to improve IT security this year, a figure that could be increased after the recent spate of hackings.

The attacks are thought to be part of an international espionage operation to glean intelligence from the western world.

Australian intelligence figures are believed to be concerned at a growing level of industrial espionage.

The attacks late last year are believed to have been directed at local companies, but it is thought they were unsuccessful.

Chinese authorities are believed to be seeking information on military secrets and the prices Australian companies will seek for resources such as coal and iron ore.

"I wouldn't characterise the attempts as necessarily malicious, just routine espionage aimed at getting an advantage," a Canberra-based intelligence source told Fairfax.

"It's important to recognise that this is not a direct threat aimed at destabilising our government, nor is this a wilful effort to hinder or discredit government activity.

"But, do we have secrets that other governments would like to know? Yes. Are they trying? Yes. Espionage over the Internet is a major battleground of the future," the source said.

A Department of Defence spokesman would not confirm or deny the recent cyberattacks on key government agencies, while a Chinese government spokesman denied cyber espionage had been authorised for any Australian agencies.