Shared Services Canada’s “SECRET” agenda

It might come as a surprise to learn that a Government of Canada (GC) department like Shared Services Canada (SSC) has a “SECRET” agenda, but it’s true. As the GC continues its digital transformation and transitions toward more secure and modern online service delivery, federal networks and systems remain an attractive target for cyber threat actors, both domestically and internationally.

SSC continues to prioritize investments in cyber and IT security, as well as in classified infrastructure and services, to maintain the best-in-class commercial defences that protect GC networks, systems and Canadians’ personal information from a wide range of security threats.

Part of this ongoing work includes improving and expanding SSC’s SECRET-level systems and services to meet the growing demand for secure, classified communications within the GC and with our international partners across the globe.

Keeping SECRETs

SSC currently provides the GC with classified services through the Government of Canada Secret Systems (GCSS) program, a secure enterprise network for the digital creation, sharing and storage of information classified as SECRET. GCSS services are not connected to the Internet or to any departmental network. They provide authorized users with secure desktop, email, file management, printing and application hosting services while they work with classified materials.

As part of its ongoing commitment to keeping SECRETs, SSC is also implementing a new enterprise-class platform for SECRET-level communications across the GC. Built with cutting-edge technology, this platform is designed to evolve with the GC’s needs and deliver future-ready capabilities. It will support secure voice, video, instant messaging and conferencing across desktop, VoIP and mobile devices, while meeting the highest security standards.

SSC’s ongoing commitment to cyber security resilience is helping to strengthen and evolve the GC’s secure digital infrastructure. Keeping SECRETs is about protecting the programs and services that Canadians trust and rely on every day, especially in times of crisis.

With future-ready solutions and unwavering dedication, SSC is helping to safeguard what matters most. It’s all part of Delivering Digital Solutions Together for a stronger, more secure Canada.