Ottawa looking to protect its information and assets from cyber threats
The Federal government has released its first strategy geared towards the protection of government information and assets from cyber threats.
President of the Treasury Board of Canada (TBS) Anita Anand released the Enterprise Cyber Security Strategy, which is supported by the $11.1 million investment of Budget 2024 over 5 years.
“In a world when going digital is more and more our reality, we must ensure that our systems remain secure from cyber threats and deliver the highest quality of programs and services to Canadians,” said Anand.
“To achieve this, we are announcing the first of its kind GC Enterprise Cyber Security Strategy to help us manage risk, prevent cyberattacks, strengthen our resilience, and cultivate a strong cyber security culture,” she added.
Geared towards safeguarding government systems and protecting the information of Canadians, the strategy outlined a proactive approach that will allow the government to quickly and effectively handle cyber threats as well as address the possible vulnerabilities in the digital landscape.
The strategy’s four main goals include articulating the risks in cybersecurity and their possible impact, effectively preventing and resisting cyberattacks, strengthening the capabilities and resilience of the government so that it can prepare, respond, and recover from breaches in cybersecurity, and attracting a diversified workforce in the government that has proper knowledge and skills in cybersecurity.
The first phase of the strategy’s implementation will see the establishment of a centralized evaluation system, the creation of federated integrated risk management platform, the creation of a government-wide vulnerability management program, and the formation of a new Purple Team.
In order to effectively respond and recover from the unfortunate cyber-related event as well as maintain the delivery of Government programs and services, the TBS will be continuing to work with its partners such as Shared Services Canada and the Communications Security Establishment.
“Together, with our partners we will work to support a robust and modern digital infrastructure while ensuring our workforce has the talent and knowledge to foster cyber security,” said Anand.
