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In recent years, Canada has experienced a surge of cyber events similar to those that have impacted the United States and Europe. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, over 150,000 fraud reports have been filed since January 2021, amounting to a loss of over $600 million. In a recent cybersecurity report, Honourable Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Defence, acknowledged that ransomware incidents are making headlines almost daily in Canada and worldwide.
Given the increasing threats to essential infrastructure, government offices, and even small businesses, Canadian regulators have prioritized cybersecurity and data privacy. As a result of these ever-evolving risks, all organizations in Canada have recognized their responsibility to protect consumer data.
Aside from the government-initiated cybersecurity regulations, users should always try to do everything in their power to protect personal information. For instance, a good start is a reliable VPN service that ensures all data in traffic stays encrypted and safe from prying eyes. Services that don’t require extensive cybersecurity knowledge like ExpressVPN, are an excellent option. Alongside using VPNs, password managers, multi-factor authentication tools and similar methods of protecting private data, it’s good to know what measures to get a better grasp of what the Canadian government is actually doing to protect their citizens’ privacy.
What Steps is the Canadian Government Taking to Combat Cybercrime?
The Canadian government always seeks new ways to protect its citizens and businesses from cybercrime. To this end, they have implemented various measures to prevent and investigate cybercrime.
The first step is establishing a Cybercrime Strategy Unit within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). This unit works with law enforcement agencies at the national and international levels to identify and prosecute cybercriminals.
Additionally, the government has established the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre, which brings together law enforcement, government, and business partners to share critical information about ongoing investigations and cybercrime prevention operations. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security also provides resources and guidance to organizations and individuals on how to defend themselves from cyber-attacks, including the latest information on security updates, malware threats, and recommended practices for preventing phishing schemes.
The government has also prepared a detailed Cyber-attack Response Plan to ensure organizations can respond quickly and effectively during cyber-attacks. Organizations affected by such an attack can use this strategy as a go-to resource to address any immediate challenges before investigating further.
Finally, police forces across Canada have received additional funding, allowing them to access more staff and technology to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes previously hindered by limited resources.
What Types of Cybercrime Are Most Common in Canada?
There are various forms of cybercrime in Canada, but the following are the most prevalent:
- Phishing scams use fraudulent emails or websites to trick people into giving away personal information like credit card or bank account details, passwords, and more. Never click on suspicious links in the emails from unknown sources and avoid sharing your personal data with others through emails.
- Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. One of the easiest ways to access personal information is through compromised log in data. To prevent this, consider using a password manager like 1Password to encrypt your credentials and keep your passwords safe.
- Cyberstalking is the act of using electronic means, like the Internet, to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone. Make sure to report any such activity to the authorities responsible for handling incidents like this and never engage in communication with potential abusers.
To Wrap Up
Canada faces significant challenges when it comes to combating cybercrime. The constantly evolving nature of cyber threats, the global scope of cybercriminal activities, complex investigations, and a shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts all exacerbate these issues. However, these challenges encourage Canadian authorities to strive for better cybersecurity. In 2010, the Government of Canada launched the country’s first Cyber Security Strategy as a national effort to protect against cyber threats. The development and achievements of the 2010 Strategy will serve as a foundation for future actions.
The new approach recognizes the importance of digital technology in our daily lives. With innovative Cyber Security Strategies, we can confidently navigate the digital age. In this world, cybersecurity is essential and hopefully responsible authorities will continue developing legal frameworks to protect their citizens.
Last Updated on by Icy Canada Team
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