On February 6, 2025, the Government of Canada unveiled its latest National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS), reinforcing its commitment to protecting individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure from digital threats.
This new strategy builds on its 2018 predecessor, which established key institutions like the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit (NCCU) under the RCMP.
The updated version intensifies the fight against cyber threats by fostering collaborations, investments in innovation, and stronger cyber threat detection and disruption mechanisms.
A Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity
The 2025 NCSS is driven by two key principles:
- Whole-of-Society Engagement – Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of tech experts; it’s a collective effort. The government aims to enhance public awareness and strengthen partnerships with private sector companies, law enforcement, academic institutions, and Indigenous communities to fortify Canada’s digital landscape.
- Agile Leadership – Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and so should our response. The NCSS emphasizes continuous adaptation by working closely with industry experts and stakeholders to adjust strategies in real-time and allocate resources where they’re needed most.
Three Key Pillars of the NCSS
The strategy is built around three main pillars, each targeting specific areas of cybersecurity resilience.
1. Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for Protection
Recognizing the growing threat of cyberattacks, the Canadian government is launching an unprecedented public-private collaboration. A key initiative under this effort is the creation of the Canadian Cyber Defence Collective, a multi-stakeholder engagement body designed to facilitate information sharing and coordinated responses to cyber threats.
- Academia plays a vital role – The newly funded Cyber Attribution Data Centre (CADC) at the University of New Brunswick will leverage AI-powered analytics to enhance cyber threat intelligence and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
- Public awareness remains critical – The government will continue promoting best practices through the “Get Cyber Safe” program, helping Canadians understand and mitigate online risks.
- Canada’s global role in cybersecurity – A new Senior Official for Cyber, Digital, and Emerging Technology position at Global Affairs Canada will ensure international cooperation in tackling cyber threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
2. Establishing Canada as a Global Cybersecurity Leader
Cybersecurity is not just about defense—it’s also a growing industry. The NCSS highlights Canada’s ambition to become a leader in cybersecurity innovation, backed by investments, regulatory reforms, and industry partnerships.
- Major initiatives include:
- Continued funding for Canada’s Digital Charter and the Cyber Security Innovation Network.
- Expansion of the Cyber Security Cooperation Program, offering grants and support to cybersecurity projects.
- Introduction of the Canadian Cyber Security Certification Program, focusing on cybersecurity advancements in defense and critical infrastructure sectors.
- Regulatory reforms are on the horizon – The NCSS underscores the need for updated privacy laws and AI regulations. While legislative progress was temporarily halted due to the recent prorogation of Parliament, the government remains committed to modernizing cyber laws to address evolving threats.
3. Detecting and Disrupting Cyber Threats
The final pillar of the NCSS is about making Canada a tougher target for cybercriminals. The government plans to reduce attack risks, disrupt cybercrime operations, and enhance cybersecurity across sectors.
- Strengthening law enforcement – Agencies like the RCMP’s National Cybercrime Coordination Centre will receive additional support to investigate and neutralize cyber threats.
- Reducing cyber inequalities – Canada aims to bridge the cybersecurity gap by providing resources and training to smaller businesses and underprivileged communities, ensuring better preparedness across the board.
- Discouraging ransomware payments – The government is exploring new policies to deter businesses from paying ransoms to cybercriminals, which often fuels further attacks.
- A new cybercrime and fraud reporting system – A centralized cyber incident reporting hub will be introduced, helping law enforcement agencies track and counter cybercriminal activities more effectively.
The Future of Cybersecurity in Canada
At a time when cyber threats are more sophisticated and politically driven than ever, the 2025 NCSS is a crucial step towards a safer digital future. However, regulatory reforms remain a major challenge, requiring ongoing discussions and legislative action to strike a balance between innovation and security.
The success of this strategy will depend on continued collaboration among government agencies, private sector organizations, academia, and individual users. As Canada pushes forward in the global cybersecurity race, one thing is clear: a proactive and adaptive approach is the key to staying ahead of cyber threats.
Stay tuned for more updates on cybersecurity policies and trends.
