Cyber Security: A Shared Responsibility

The development of the Internet over the last several decades has radically altered the globe. Canadians have been at the very forefront of this change, fully embracing the opportunities provided by advancements in telecommunications to advance the economy and make our lives easier and more productive. However, criminals are increasingly targeting Canadians online to commit theft and fraud. Foreign countries are using the Internet to steal classified information from government and trade secrets, commercially sensitive and private information from business systems. Cyber security is about mitigating these threats and reinforcing the safety of Canadians online.

Canada’s Cyber Security Strategy is the Government’s plan for protecting our country from these threats. The main objectives of the Strategy are to secure government systems, work with others to secure systems outside of government, and help Canadians to be safer online. Public Safety Canada is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Strategy.

The Action Plan 2010-2015 for Canada's Cyber Security Strategy, outlines the Government of Canada's plan to implement Canada's Cyber Security Strategy.

Public Safety Canada works with provinces, territories, and the private sector to secure Canada’s  vital systems. The Department also works with international partners to reduce the risk to computer systems across the globe.

The Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) operates within Public Safety Canada, and works with partners inside and outside Canada to mitigate cyber threats to vital systems outside the federal government. These include systems that keep Canada’s critical infrastructure functioning properly, such as the electrical grid and financial networks, or contain valuable commercial information that underpins our economic prosperity.

CCIRC supports the owners and operators of systems of national importance, including critical infrastructure, and is responsible for coordinating the national response to any serious cyber security incident.

To learn about reporting an incident, visit our Report a Cyber Security Incident page.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family Online

In order for Canadians to be able to protect themselves and their families online, it is important that they have up to date information on cyber threats and safe cyber practices. Getcybersafe.ca provides information on cyber security to the public, including tips for how to stay safe online. Public Safety Canada promotes this knowledge both year-round and by coordinating Cyber Security Awareness Month each October.