Threat to Cdn. electoral system gets fresh new look

A fresh look at Canada’s ability to defend against possible online threats to the next national election will among a new federal cybersecurity centre’s first tasks.

An updated version of a groundbreaking report on lurking dangers to electoral integrity will be issued in the new year, said Scott Jones, head of the fledgling Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.

The new federal body aims to be a clearinghouse of information, advice and guidance on threats for the public, Canadian businesses, and owners and operators of critical infrastructure, such as power grids and banking systems.

“We want to be that trusted source of information for Canadians,” Jones said in an interview.

“We want to be out there, we want to be answering questions.”

The centre, a wing of the Communications Security Establishment, Canada’s electronic spy agency, brings together experts from the CSE, Public Safety and Shared Services.

It will exist virtually until fully up and running in a publicly accessible facility in the National Capital Region some time in 2019.

The CSE warned in a report for the Liberal government last year that cyberthreat activity against the democratic process is increasing around the world, and Canada is not immune.

Mounting evidence has since pointed to Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.