October is Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Canada's Auditor-General is expected to release a report on Canada's Cyber Security Strategy. The report is expected to be an important assessment of Canada's preparedness for further cybersecurity attacks.

In the meantime, and perhaps pre-emptively, the Government of Canada announced, on October 17, 2012, an investment of CAD$155 million over five years to improve the detection of, and response to, continually evolving cyber threats to government systems and services.

A portion of the funding will be invested in the Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC). The purpose of the funding for CCIRC will be to:

  • Improve incident response across Canada, and enhance the ability of government and its partners to maintain awareness of the cyber environment; and
  • Strengthen analytical capability to improve mitigation advice and incident response.

Cybersecurity is not formally a part of Canada's Open Government strategy,  However, the security of electronic government information and digital government services is critical to the success and effectiveness of that strategy and should be considered a "fourth pillar". The other pillars of the Open Government strategy are:

  • Open Data: Offering government data in useful formats for the use of private sectors and non-governmental organizations
  • Open Information: Pro-actively release information to Canadians rather than to wait for access to information requests.
  • Open Dialogue: Use web-based technologies to engage with Canadians on government policies and priorities.

For more information, visit our Data Governance Law blog at www.datagovernancelaw.com

About Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC)

FMC is one of Canada's leading business and litigation law firms with more than 500 lawyers in six full-service offices located in the country's key business centres. We focus on providing outstanding service and value to our clients, and we strive to excel as a workplace of choice for our people. Regardless of where you choose to do business in Canada, our strong team of professionals possess knowledge and expertise on regional, national and cross-border matters. FMC's well-earned reputation for consistently delivering the highest quality legal services and counsel to our clients is complemented by an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion to broaden our insight and perspective on our clients' needs. Visit: www.fmc-law.com

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.