NSICOP’s report on government cyber defences tabled in Parliament

Ottawa, February 14, 2022 — The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians’ (NSICOP) Special Report on the Government of Canada’s Framework and Activities to Defend its Systems and Networks from Cyber Attack was tabled in Parliament on February 14, 2022.

The 127-page report describes the threat to government systems from malicious cyber actors; examines the evolution of the Government of Canada’s cyber defence policies and laws; assesses the roles and responsibilities of relevant government organizations; and examines relevant case studies where government systems were compromised in cyber attacks. The unanimous report includes four findings and two recommendations. The government agreed with all of NSICOP’s recommendations.

The Honourable David McGuinty, Chair of NSICOP, stated that, “The report is the first of its kind in Canada. It aims to help the government strengthen its cyber defence framework and ensure that the government is well-protected against cyber threats in the future.”

The classified version of the report was delivered to the Prime Minister on August 11, 2021.

The report is available below and on the NSICOP website.