Federal Government to Mitigate Cyber Threats with New National Strategy
Canada has unveiled its 2025 National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS), a comprehensive plan to safeguard Canadians, businesses, and critical infrastructure from the escalating threat of cyberattacks. The strategy, announced by the federal government, outlines a multi-faceted approach to address the growing sophistication and prevalence of cyber threats.
The NCSS is built on three core pillars: strengthening cyber defenses for Canadians and businesses, positioning Canada as a global cybersecurity leader, and detecting and disrupting cyber threat actors. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing cyber defenses and fostering collaboration across sectors.
Strengthening Cyber Defenses for Canadians and Businesses
The first pillar focuses on enhancing cybersecurity resilience through partnerships and awareness. The Canadian Cyber Defence Collective (CCDC), a national public-private partnership, will play a central role in tackling cyber threats. Additionally, the government is expanding the *Get Cyber Safe* program to improve cyber hygiene among individuals and businesses.
The launch of the Cybersecurity Attribution Data Centre (CADC) at the University of New Brunswick further bolsters Canada’s cyber threat intelligence capabilities. By leveraging AI-driven research, the CADC aims to enhance the country’s ability to identify and mitigate cyber threats effectively.
Positioning Canada as a Global Cybersecurity Leader
The second pillar emphasizes Canada’s ambition to become a global leader in cybersecurity. This includes supporting the development of secure-by-design technologies and IoT security labeling, which will help ensure that products are secure from the outset.
To address the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, the government is expanding apprenticeship programs and upskilling initiatives. Additionally, Canada is strengthening its role in post-quantum cryptography research to protect against future threats posed by quantum computing.
The strategy also includes the promotion of AI security guidelines to mitigate risks associated with generative AI and deepfake-driven cyber threats. These measures aim to position Canada at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and leadership.
Detecting and Disrupting Cyber Threat Actors
The third pillar focuses on proactive measures to detect and disrupt cyber threat actors. The National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NC3) and RCMP cyber units will expand their efforts to combat cybercrime, ensuring a more robust enforcement framework.
The introduction of mandatory ISP botnet blocking rules is another key initiative. This measure aims to disrupt malicious networks before they can harm Canadian users, thereby reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
Furthermore, the strategy strengthens nation-state threat mitigation through cyber operations led by the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), and the Canadian Armed Forces. These efforts will enhance Canada’s ability to counter state-sponsored cyber threats.
Expert Insights and Context
Kenrick Bagnall, Founder of KONCYBER & RB-Cyber Assurance and a retired member of the Toronto Police Service Cybercrime Unit, welcomed the new strategy but emphasized the importance of addressing concerns raised in the 2024 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. Bagnall noted that while the strategy’s objectives are well-defined, achieving them will require addressing issues such as case management, incident response, and resource limitations highlighted in the auditor’s report.
The unveiling of the 2025 NCSS comes at a critical juncture, as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive. The strategy aims to modernize Canada’s cyber defenses through enhanced collaboration, industry leadership, and proactive threat mitigation. For cybersecurity professionals, this new strategy signals a shift toward greater public-private collaboration, stronger regulatory measures, and increased investment in cyber innovation.
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has also released guidelines to boost cyber resilience across critical infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector cybersecurity practices and the development of a Cyber Security Readiness Framework (CRF) to help organizations mitigate cyber threats.
In summary, Canada’s 2025 National Cyber Security Strategy represents a significant effort to protect Canadians and critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats. By strengthening cyber defenses, positioning Canada as a global cybersecurity leader, and detecting and disrupting cyber threat actors, the strategy aims to enhance cybersecurity resilience and mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats.
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Enhances Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure
In alignment with the 2025 National Cyber Security Strategy, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) has released updated guidelines to bolster cyber resilience across critical infrastructure. These guidelines emphasize the importance of cross-sector cybersecurity practices and the development of a Cyber Security Readiness Framework (CRF) to assist organizations in mitigating cyber threats.
The CRF is designed to provide organizations with a structured approach to assessing and improving their cybersecurity posture. By adopting the framework, businesses and critical infrastructure operators can better prepare for and respond to cyber incidents, ensuring minimal disruption to essential services.
Implications for Cybersecurity Professionals
The launch of the 2025 NCSS signals a significant shift in Canada’s approach to cybersecurity, with implications for professionals in the field. The strategy underscores the importance of greater public-private collaboration, stronger regulatory measures, and increased investment in cyber innovation. This shift is expected to create new opportunities for cybersecurity professionals while also raising the bar for expertise and collaboration.
Cybersecurity professionals will play a pivotal role in implementing the strategy’s objectives, particularly in areas such as threat intelligence, incident response, and the development of secure technologies. The focus on post-quantum cryptography and AI security guidelines further highlights the need for specialized skills to address emerging threats.
Addressing Concerns Raised in the 2024 Auditor General Report
While the 2025 NCSS has been widely praised for its comprehensive approach, experts like Kenrick Bagnall have highlighted the need to address concerns raised in the 2024 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. The report identified key challenges, including case management, incident response, and resource limitations, which must be resolved to ensure the strategy’s success.
Bagnall emphasized that while the strategy’s pillars are well-defined, achieving its objectives will require addressing these underlying issues. This includes improving case management processes, enhancing incident response capabilities, and ensuring that cybersecurity agencies have the necessary resources to effectively combat cyber threats.
Conclusion
Canada’s 2025 National Cyber Security Strategy represents a robust and comprehensive approach to addressing the evolving landscape of cyber threats. By focusing on three core pillars—strengthening cyber defenses, positioning Canada as a global leader, and detecting and disrupting threats—the strategy aims to enhance resilience and safeguard critical infrastructure. The integration of public-private partnerships, advanced technologies, and a skilled workforce underscores the government’s commitment to a secure digital future. While expert insights highlight the need to address past challenges, the strategy’s forward-looking initiatives promise a stronger cybersecurity framework for all Canadians.
FAQ
What are the key pillars of Canada’s 2025 National Cyber Security Strategy?
The strategy is built on three pillars: strengthening cyber defenses for Canadians and businesses, positioning Canada as a global cybersecurity leader, and detecting and disrupting cyber threat actors.
How does the strategy enhance cybersecurity for individuals and businesses?
The strategy expands the *Get Cyber Safe* program to improve cyber hygiene and establishes the Canadian Cyber Defence Collective to enhance threat intelligence and response capabilities.
What role do cybersecurity professionals play in the 2025 NCSS?
Cybersecurity professionals are crucial in implementing the strategy, particularly in threat intelligence, incident response, and developing secure technologies, with a focus on emerging areas like post-quantum cryptography and AI security.
What is the Cyber Security Readiness Framework (CRF)?
The CRF, developed by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, provides organizations with a structured approach to assess and improve their cybersecurity posture, helping them prepare for and respond to cyber incidents effectively.
How does the strategy address concerns from the 2024 Auditor General Report?
The strategy aims to resolve challenges identified in the report, including improvements in case management, incident response, and resource allocation to ensure effective implementation of cybersecurity measures.
