RIPPLE

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Financial Post (established source, credibility score: 100/100), eSentire's 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW, 2026 THREAT LANDSCAPE OUTLOOK REPORT reveals a significant surge in account compromise identity-based threats, with a 389% increase year over year. This alarming trend indicates that hackers are increasingly targeting employees' account credentials. **CAUSAL CHAIN** The direct cause of this effect is the increasing sophistication and industrialization of cybercrime, as highlighted by eSentire's report. The intermediate step is the growing reliance on digital identities and online services, making it easier for attackers to compromise employee accounts. This trend has immediate implications for Canadian businesses, which must adapt their cybersecurity measures to prevent such attacks. The long-term effect will be a heightened risk of data breaches and identity theft, potentially leading to significant financial losses and reputational damage for affected organizations. Furthermore, this surge in account compromise threats may put pressure on the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) to enhance its guidance and support for businesses in implementing robust cybersecurity measures. **DOMAINS AFFECTED** * National Defense: Cybersecurity and Defense * Economy: Business and Finance * Public Safety **EVIDENCE TYPE** This news is based on a research study (eSentire's 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW, 2026 THREAT LANDSCAPE OUTLOOK REPORT) that provides expert analysis of the current threat landscape. **UNCERTAINTY** While eSentire's report provides valuable insights into the growing threat of account compromise identity-based threats, it is uncertain how effective existing cybersecurity measures are in preventing such attacks. Depending on the CCCS's response to this trend, businesses may need to invest more resources in cybersecurity training and awareness programs for employees. --- Source: [Financial Post](https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/esentire-warns-businesses-hackers-are-after-your-employees-account-credentials-as-account-compromise-threats-surge-389-in-2025) (established source, credibility: 100/100)

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Financial Post (established source, credibility tier: 100/100), a leading Canadian news outlet, eSentire has released its 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW, 2026 THREAT LANDSCAPE OUTLOOK REPORT, highlighting a significant surge in account compromise identity-based threats. The report reveals that these threats have increased by 389% year-over-year, with hackers targeting employees' account credentials. The causal chain of effects on the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) is as follows: * Direct cause: The alarming rise in account compromise threats compromises businesses' security and trust in their IT systems. * Intermediate step: As more businesses fall victim to these attacks, it puts a strain on CCCS's resources, requiring them to allocate additional personnel and budget to address the increased demand for cybersecurity assistance. * Timing: This immediate effect will likely lead to short-term consequences, such as an increase in reported cyberattacks and a heightened sense of urgency among Canadian businesses to bolster their defenses. In the long term, this may prompt CCCS to reassess its strategies and allocate more resources towards proactive measures. The domains affected by this news event include: * National Defense > Cybersecurity and Defense * Business and Commerce (as companies face increased security threats) * Public Safety (as citizens become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks) This news is classified as an expert opinion, based on the report released by eSentire, a global cybersecurity solutions provider. There are uncertainties surrounding this issue. If the trend of increasing account compromise threats continues, it could lead to a greater demand for CCCS's services and potentially strain its resources. Depending on how quickly businesses adapt to these new security challenges, the impact on Canadian cybersecurity may be mitigated or exacerbated. ** --- Source: [Financial Post](https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/esentire-warns-businesses-hackers-are-after-your-employees-account-credentials-as-account-compromise-threats-surge-389-in-2025) (established source, credibility: 100/100)

Here is the RIPPLE comment: According to Financial Post (established source, credibility tier: 100/100), RHONDOS Assumes Global PowerConnect Operations. The news event involves RHONDOS, Inc., a global enterprise software company, assuming full global operations of PowerConnect business from SoftwareOne. This transaction marks an immediate change in the ownership and management structure of PowerConnect's worldwide operations. A causal chain can be observed as follows: The assumption of global PowerConnect operations by RHONDOS (direct cause) may lead to changes in cybersecurity practices (intermediate step). As a company focused on SAP operational resilience, observability, and cybersecurity, RHONDOS is likely to implement its own cybersecurity measures across the PowerConnect network. This could enhance the overall security posture of PowerConnect's customers worldwide. Depending on the specifics of the transaction, this might have short-term effects in terms of improved cybersecurity measures being implemented by RHONDOS. The domains affected include Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) as it may need to reassess and adapt its recommendations and guidelines for Canadian organizations using PowerConnect services, which could be impacted by any changes in security protocols implemented by RHONDOS. Evidence type: Event report. Uncertainty exists regarding the extent of cybersecurity measures that RHONDOS will implement across the PowerConnect network. If RHONDOS assumes full responsibility for all worldwide operations, it is likely to have a significant impact on CCCS's recommendations and guidelines for Canadian organizations using PowerConnect services. --- Source: [Financial Post](https://financialpost.com/globe-newswire/rhondos-assumes-global-powerconnect-operations) (established source, credibility: 100/100)

**RIPPLE Comment** According to Financial Post (established source), Fortinet has announced its return to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 to engage in dialogue on cross-sector strategies to combat global cybercrime. This event is a significant development in the ongoing effort to dismantle the growing cybercrime ecosystem. The causal chain of effects can be broken down as follows: * The World Economic Forum's annual meeting provides a platform for global leaders, including Fortinet, to share best practices and strategies for combating cybercrime. * These discussions will likely lead to increased awareness among policymakers and business leaders about the need for more effective cross-sector collaboration in cybersecurity. * This heightened awareness may result in policy changes or initiatives aimed at incentivizing companies to invest in cybersecurity measures and hold them accountable for data breaches. The domains affected by this news event include: * National Defense > Cybersecurity and Defense * Economy > Technology Evidence Type: Event Report (press release from Globe Newswire) Uncertainty: Depending on the specific outcomes of these discussions, Canada may see increased investment in its own cybersecurity initiatives or more collaboration between Canadian institutions and global leaders. However, it is unclear at this time what specific policy changes or initiatives will emerge as a result. ** --- Source: [Financial Post](https://financialpost.com/globe-newswire/fortinet-to-bring-cyber-leadership-to-world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026) (established source, credibility: 100/100)

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to iPolitics (recognized source), a Canadian news outlet with an 80/100 credibility score, the House and Senate committees are set to discuss artificial intelligence, cyber security, and NORAD modernization today. The direct cause of this event is the scheduled discussion in Parliament, which will focus on the integration of artificial intelligence and cyber security measures within NORAD's modernization efforts. This could lead to an increased emphasis on investing in cutting-edge technologies that enhance Canada's national defense capabilities. In the short term, this might result in a boost to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's (CCCS) budget allocation, enabling them to develop more effective strategies against cyber threats. Intermediate steps in this chain include the CCCS working closely with government agencies and private sector partners to implement AI-driven solutions that fortify NORAD's systems. This collaboration could lead to improved threat detection and response times, ultimately enhancing Canada's cybersecurity posture. The domains affected by this news event are: * National Defense * Cybersecurity and Defense * Technology and Innovation This information is based on an official announcement from the Canadian government regarding the parliamentary agenda. **METADATA** { "causal_chains": ["Increased investment in AI-driven solutions for NORAD modernization", "Enhanced collaboration between CCCS, government agencies, and private sector partners"], "domains_affected": ["National Defense", "Cybersecurity and Defense", "Technology and Innovation"], "evidence_type": "official announcement", "confidence_score": 80, "key_uncertainties": ["The effectiveness of AI-driven solutions in enhancing NORAD's cybersecurity posture, Depending on the successful implementation and integration of these technologies"] }

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Global News (established source), Industry Minister Melanie Joly has clarified that Bill C-8, the proposed cybersecurity bill, will not be used to restrict internet access or limit online speech. The passing of Bill C-8 would have a direct impact on the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's efforts to protect against cyber threats. The bill targets telecommunication service providers, requiring them to implement measures to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches. This could lead to increased collaboration between the government and private sector in cybersecurity initiatives. However, if the bill is passed without modifications, it may create uncertainty among Canadian citizens regarding their online freedoms. Depending on how the legislation is implemented, this could lead to a chilling effect on free speech online, as individuals may self-censor to avoid potential consequences. The domains affected by this news event include: * National Defense: Cybersecurity and Defense * Digital Governance: Online Freedom and Expression Evidence Type: Official Announcement (Minister's statement) Uncertainty: This clarification provides some assurance that the bill will not directly target individual online speech. However, the long-term implications of Bill C-8 on cybersecurity efforts and online freedoms remain uncertain. --- **METADATA** { "causal_chains": ["Increased collaboration between government and private sector in cybersecurity initiatives", "Potential chilling effect on free speech online"], "domains_affected": ["National Defense: Cybersecurity and Defense", "Digital Governance: Online Freedom and Expression"], "evidence_type": "Official Announcement", "confidence_score": 80, "key_uncertainties": ["Long-term implications of Bill C-8 on cybersecurity efforts and online freedoms"] }

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Global News (established source, credibility tier: 95/100), a man was arrested for allegedly violating a horse at an equestrian centre in Vernon, British Columbia (Global News, 2023). The incident involved the triggering of security cameras on the property, which led to the suspect's identification and subsequent arrest. The causal chain of effects begins with the activation of the security cameras, which is a direct cause → effect relationship. This event highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information, including footage from security cameras. In this case, the cameras played a crucial role in identifying the perpetrator, illustrating their potential value in preventing and investigating cybercrimes. Intermediate steps in the chain include the need for secure data storage and transmission protocols to protect against unauthorized access or tampering with the camera's feed. This underscores the importance of investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, including measures such as encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, to safeguard sensitive information. The timing of these effects is immediate, as the security cameras provided real-time footage that facilitated the swift identification and arrest of the suspect. However, the long-term implications are more significant, highlighting the need for Canadian organizations, particularly those in the defense sector, to prioritize cybersecurity measures to prevent similar incidents. **DOMAINS AFFECTED** * National Defense * Cybersecurity **EVIDENCE TYPE** Event report ( Global News article) **UNCERTAINTY** This incident underscores the potential vulnerabilities of security cameras and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. However, it is uncertain whether this event will lead to a significant increase in investment in cybersecurity infrastructure or whether it will prompt changes in policy or guidelines for organizations handling sensitive information.

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to betakit.com (unknown credibility tier, but cross-verified by multiple sources), Canada's cybersecurity startups have no room for error in terms of scaling and growth. The article highlights the challenges faced by Canadian cybersecurity startups, Daly Brown and Nick Foubert's company being a prime example. Despite their defence expertise, they struggled to find support to scale their business. This lack of resources and funding hinders their ability to effectively contribute to Canada's national defence through cybersecurity solutions. This news event creates a causal chain that affects the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) by: * Direct cause: The struggles of Canadian cybersecurity startups to secure funding and resources hinder their growth and development. * Intermediate step: This scarcity of support leads to a shortage of innovative cybersecurity solutions and talent, impacting the CCCS's ability to stay ahead in defending against cyber threats. * Timing: In the short-term, this affects the CCCS's capacity to respond effectively to emerging threats. Long-term, it may compromise Canada's national security. The domains affected by this news include: * National Defense * Cybersecurity and Defense Evidence type: Event report (based on a specific company's experience). Uncertainty: This could lead to a reliance on foreign cybersecurity solutions or talent, potentially compromising Canadian data sovereignty. If the CCCS does not address these challenges, it may struggle to maintain its position as a leader in cyber defence. **