Blog Posts

Canada is at a turning point in global cybersecurity. Backed by strong alliances, research excellence, and trusted neutrality, Canada has the chance to move from reliable partner to international leader. This article explores how the new National Cyber Security Strategy positions Canada to lead on AI ethics, quantum resilience, and critical infrastructure protection, while confronting challenges in talent, regulation, and visibility.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity, creating both new threats and powerful defence opportunities. Canada and the UK are deepening cooperation through research partnerships, AI safety initiatives, civil society funding, and policy frameworks that embed democratic values into cyber defence. Their collaboration highlights the risks of uncoordinated AI development, the need for autonomous platforms like SAMI to strengthen resilience, and the opportunity to scale these efforts through the Five Eyes alliance. By aligning technology with ethics and operational readiness, Canada and the UK are positioning themselves to lead global standards for trustworthy AI-driven security.

Elaine Hum, Director of Cybersecurity Partnerships at Scotiabank, highlights the need for diverse, well-trained professionals, real-world learning opportunities, and inclusive hiring to build a sustainable workforce. She stresses that strong partnerships, evolving curricula, mentorship, and lifelong learning are essential to keeping pace with evolving threats. Drawing on Canadian and international models, Hum underscores that every organization, regardless of size, can contribute by fostering talent pipelines, engaging with schools, and supporting skill development, thus turning the challenge into an opportunity for innovation and resilience.

In June 2025, Canada and the EU launched a landmark Security & Defence Partnership, expanding cooperation in crisis management, military mobility, and cybersecurity. The pact emphasizes autonomous threat monitoring, AI governance, and critical infrastructure protection. Similar Canada–UK collaborations reinforce Canada’s strategy of building resilient, tech-driven alliances to safeguard digital sovereignty and defence readiness.

Behind every secure system is more than just technology—it’s a trusted partner. In this interview, cybersecurity sales leader Maria Estepa shares how she builds lasting partnerships, bridges business and tech, and champions inclusion to help redefine what leadership in cybersecurity really looks like.

Cyber threats affect all organizations, not just large ones. The Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX) promotes proactive, trust-based information sharing to prevent attacks before they happen. By including small businesses and focusing on value, not mandates, CCTX fosters national resilience through collaboration, early warnings, and shared cybersecurity strategies.