The federal government has released new cybersecurity strategies to protect large computer systems and data banks from growing threats. The strategy paper, released on May 22, said the government has made improvements in cyber security in recent years. But online dangers have grown more than that.
The plan says a renewed commitment across departments and agencies is needed to deliver secure and reliable government services digitally for Canadians. Governments are always attractive targets for attacks because they contain personal data, valuable research data and other sensitive information. As a result, cyber attacks can have a significant impact on government operations. It could be disruption of essential and important services or theft or disclosure of personal information.
This could put people at risk of identity theft or other fraud, the plan said. All of these can undermine confidence in government institutions and have a negative impact on the Canadian economy and society as a whole.
Treasury Board President Anita Anand said in an interview that the importance of joint initiatives between various ministries, public administrations and government agencies in cyber security has never been seen before. The invasion of personal privacy worries me. The collapse of the government system worries me.
The strategic document highlighted the existing deficiencies. These include, little improvement in the capabilities of various departments and organizations to identify and counter threats, lack of substantive awareness of cyber security threats, use of disparate tools, methods and services to monitor systems, currently less effective traditional security architecture models, poor information management practices and Strong global demand for talent.
