The Government of Canada has introduced the first phase of the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification (CPCSC), a significant step towards strengthening the country’s cyber defenses.
Announced by Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, the initiative aims to fortify Canada’s defense supply chains against escalating cyber threats.
The CPCSC will feature a comprehensive cybersecurity standard for companies managing sensitive, unclassified government information in defense contracts. This initiative responds to persistent cyberattacks targeting contractors and subcontractors in Canada’s defense industry, which pose significant risks to federal information security.
Duclos highlighted, “Cybersecurity is national security, and threats are increasingly complex and in a state of constant change. In defense procurement, cyber incidents can jeopardize the safety of unclassified federal information. To address this, we are thrilled to launch the first phase of the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification. We are committed to safeguarding the integrity of the defense sector and we look forward to working with businesses to ensure strong cybersecurity practices.”
The CPCSC implementation will follow a phased approach to provide companies ample time to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity standards. The first phase, launched this month, introduces a new Canadian industrial cybersecurity standard and outlines the accreditation process for organizations seeking to become certification bodies.
A self-assessment tool for level 1 certification will be available to enterprises, allowing them to understand the program’s requirements. However, certification will not be a prerequisite during the bidding process. Instead, it will be required once a contract is awarded.
This initiative highlights Canada’s commitment to implementing strong cybersecurity measures, which are critical to stabilizing Canada’s economy and national security.
