• By: Allen Brown

Is Canada Still A Leading Country In Cybersecurity?

In 2022, The FinancialPost reported that the Cyber Defence Index gave Canada an average score of 6.94, which is an impressive fifth-place ranking (out of 20 countries) on the cybersecurity scale. So, how exactly has Canada remained one of the top five countries for its cybersecurity capabilities and talent?

Critical Infrastructure Protection

Unsurprisingly, VPNs have become a tool to prevent data leaks and to ensure that confidential or private information can be exchanged in a secure and confident manner, whether you’re working from a stationary desktop device or on the go. By connecting to ExpressVPN Canada servers, for example, you can benefit from in-class encryption even when accessing your bank account or emails via unsecured Wi-Fi networks out in public. Of course, we’re aware that most Canadians are likely more concerned about watching their favourite Canadian sports like hockey and curling threat-free.

However, using VPNs benefits the country’s overall aim to secure critical infrastructure within the energy, finance, and telecommunications sectors. The government works with critical infrastructure owners and operators to develop resilience plans, share threat information, and ensure robust security measures are in place.

Regardless of whether you’re Canadian or not, anyone can benefit from the country’s robust privacy laws and regulations by connecting to a Canadian VPN server whilst on the go.

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS)

The CCCS, established in 2018, is a prominent marker for Canada’s position as one of the leading countries in cybersecurity. The CCCS is the central authority for cybersecurity in Canada, coordinating and enhancing the country’s cybersecurity efforts. It plays a crucial role in setting cybersecurity standards, providing guidance, promoting information sharing, and coordinating incident response.

The establishment of the CCCS demonstrates Canada’s commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities and addressing cyber threats. In 2020 Global News reported how the CCCS had successfully warned that the most pressing threat to Canadians is from hacked infrastructure. With such knowledge, preparations were put in place to limit the likelihood of such attacks happening. The CCCS brings together expertise from various government agencies and leverages partnerships with the private sector, academia, and international counterparts to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to cybersecurity.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Canada actively collaborates with international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO, to share threat intelligence, best practices and coordinate responses to cyber threats. The country also engages in public-private partnerships to promote information sharing and collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

Research and Development

Finally, Canada invests in cybersecurity research and development (R&D) to foster innovation and stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and cyber defence techniques. Academic institutions and research organizations receive funding to conduct cybersecurity research and develop advanced technologies. For example, NewsWire reports how $80 million was invested into the Cyber Security Innovation Network (CSIN). This not only continues to improve Canada’s cyber threat strategies but also puts the country at the forefront as a global leader in cyber security efforts.

To A Lead From Canada

Collectively, Canada’s collaboration and partnerships, research and development, and critical infrastructure protection efforts create a robust cybersecurity ecosystem. These initiatives not only protect Canadian citizens, businesses, and critical assets but also contribute to global cybersecurity efforts. Canada’s leadership in cybersecurity is characterized by its commitment to international cooperation, technological advancement, and the protection of vital infrastructure.