February 6, 2025
Ottawa
Technology is an integral part of our lives that has become increasingly linked to critical infrastructure and the services we rely on daily like our hospitals, transit systems, energy suppliers, and telecommunications systems. Along with this connectedness come cyber threats, including cybercrime, that are evolving rapidly and creating greater impacts on our national, economic, and continental security.
That is why the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety, announced today the Government of Canada’s new National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS), which provides a new approach to how we will keep people in Canada and Canadian businesses and services safe in a rapidly changing digital world. Through this Strategy and its associated future action plans, the Government of Canada will continue to protect Canada’s national security and economy, deter cyber threat actors, and promote international rules-based behaviour in cyberspace .
The new NCSS: Securing Canada’s Digital Future focuses on a whole-of-society approach to cyber security. This, considering that all segments of society have a role to play in building our collective resilience to Cyber threats. The Strategy outlines Canada’s long-term plan to improve partnerships across all levels of government, law enforcement, industry, Indigenous communities, academia and our international allies to reduce critical infrastructure disruptions to services that people in Canada rely on every day. It will facilitate faster information sharing and ensure that all partners are taking the necessary measures to prevent cyber incidents. It will fund initiatives to improve the nation’s cyber security, including awareness and education programs for children and youth to ensure they can fully participate in a digital age, while being resilient and prepared.
This new Strategy supports Canada-U.S. cross-border critical infrastructure and cyber resilience as well, and more closely aligns our approach to cyber security with our U.S. partners and other international allies, ensuring Canada remains a safe place to live and work online.
In an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape and amidst emerging technologies we will ensure that our cyberspace is safe, open, secure, stable, and accessible to all Canadians, so that our citizens and our nation can fully benefit from a secure digital world.
Brief
On February 6, 2025, the Public Safety Canada issued an update regarding Government of Canada introduces new National Cyber Security Strategy. The new strategy focuses on a whole-of-society approach to cyber security, outlining a long-term plan to improve partnerships across all levels of government, law enforcement, and industry to reduce critical infrastructure disruptions and ensure faster information sharing. It also funds initiatives for awareness and education programs for children and youth.
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Purpose
The Government of Canada has announced a new National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) to address the evolving cyber threats facing the country. The strategy aims to protect Canada’s national security and economy, deter cyber threat actors, and promote international rules-based behavior in cyberspace. This approach is designed to ensure that all Canadians can safely access digital services and participate in a rapidly changing digital world.
The NCSS is a whole-of-society approach that recognizes the critical role played by various segments of society in building collective resilience against cyber threats. By improving partnerships across government, law enforcement, industry, Indigenous communities, academia, and international allies, the strategy seeks to reduce disruptions to critical infrastructure and services that Canadians rely on daily.
The NCSS also acknowledges the importance of education and awareness programs for children and youth to ensure they can fully participate in a digital age while being resilient and prepared against cyber threats. This initiative aims to fund projects that promote awareness and education about cyber security, enabling young people to make informed decisions when engaging with digital technologies.
Effects on Industry
The new NCSS is expected to have significant implications for various industries, including:
- Critical infrastructure providers: The strategy’s focus on reducing disruptions to services will likely lead to increased investment in cyber security measures by companies that operate critical infrastructure.
- Technology and software companies: As the government seeks to improve partnerships across industry, technology and software companies can expect increased collaboration with the public sector to address shared cyber security concerns.
- Education and training providers: The funding of initiatives aimed at promoting awareness and education about cyber security among children and youth will likely create new opportunities for businesses that provide related services.
The NCSS may also lead to changes in regulatory frameworks, as the government seeks to promote international rules-based behavior in cyberspace. This could result in increased compliance costs for companies operating in Canada or internationally.
Relevant Stakeholders
The following stakeholders are affected by the NCSS:
- Businesses: Companies operating critical infrastructure, technology, and software will need to adapt to new cyber security standards and regulations.
- Consumers: Canadians will benefit from a safer digital world, with reduced disruptions to services and increased protection against cyber threats.
- Education providers: Institutions that offer courses or training programs in cyber security can expect increased demand for their services.
- International partners: The government’s efforts to promote international rules-based behavior in cyberspace may lead to changes in global standards and regulations.
Next Steps
To comply with the new NCSS, businesses and organizations will need to:
- Implement enhanced cyber security measures to protect against threats
- Improve information sharing and collaboration across sectors
- Invest in education and awareness programs for children and youth
- Adapt to changing regulatory frameworks
Individuals can also take steps to ensure their safety online by being aware of potential cyber threats, using strong passwords, and keeping software up-to-date.
Any Other Relevant Information
The NCSS is a long-term plan that will guide the government’s efforts in addressing cyber security challenges. The strategy recognizes the evolving nature of cyber threats and seeks to promote a culture of collaboration and information sharing across sectors.
The NCSS also highlights Canada’s commitment to protecting its citizens’ safety online, while promoting economic growth and international cooperation. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this approach is expected to provide a solid foundation for addressing emerging challenges and ensuring Canada remains a safe place to live and work online.
