SUMMARY — Cybersecurity and Defense

Overview of Cybersecurity and Defense in the Canadian Civic Context

The topic "Cybersecurity and Defense" within the broader category of "National Defense" addresses the protection of Canada’s digital infrastructure, critical systems, and national security interests from cyber threats. In the Canadian civic context, this involves safeguarding federal institutions, defense capabilities, and the nation’s economic and social systems from malicious cyber activities.

The Invisible Battlefield

In 2024-25, Canada's automated cyber defences blocked 2.3 trillion malicious actions—an average of 6.3 billion per day. The Communications Security Establishment responded to 2,561 cyber security incidents affecting federal institutions and critical infrastructure partners. State-sponsored hackers from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea conducted ongoing campaigns against Canadian government networks, private sector companies, and critical infrastructure.