On Wednesday, the federal government launched a public forum that will invite members of the Canadian public to share their views on Canada’s cyber security landscape.
This call for public consultation will be open until October 15th, 2016. Some of the topics covered in the consultation include the evolution of the cyber threat, the Increasing economic significance of cyber security, the expanding frontiers of cyber security and, moving forward on cyber security.
Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan stated that the government has a responsibility to be on the forefront of cuber security and online privacy.
“The Government of Canada has a duty to ensure our citizens’ private interactions are protected and that our nation’s most valuable information is secure. Technology has changed the way we live, work and play, and I encourage all Canadians to participate in the government’s cyber security review and help shape our cyber future,” he said in a statement.
The consultation is being launched in response to rapid changes in digital technology which have the potential to cause extensive social and economic impacts. Furthermore, its even more significant to one of the most tech-enthralled nations in the world.
Canada has the heaviest internet users in the world and the greatest number of computers per capita, which amounts to 129 computers per 100 people. In addition, over 70 percent of Canadian businesses have fallen victim to cyber attacks in the past.
On that note, the current global market for cyber security products is poised to grow to $170 billion by 2020 while the job market for cyber experts is expected to rise by 6 million over the next four years.
“The digital economy increasingly shapes and drives the broader economy. For Canadians to prosper and be confident digital innovators, they need to know that the networks that enable their efforts and safeguard their assets and information are secure,” said Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, in a statement.
“I am committed to making Canada a global centre for innovation — one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of Canadians. That’s why I am pleased to support Public Safety Canada in this important cyber security consultation.”
Cyber security has been at the forefront of public discussion over the past few years with several major hacks, including Myspace, Twitter, LinkedIn and the infamous Ashley Madison.
The complete consultation can be found here here.
Related reading: BlackBerry DTEK50 review: Pushing the security narrative
[source]Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness[/source]
