Canada Strengthens Cybersecurity Amid Rising Threats to National Security

• •Canada's National Cyber Threat Assessment reveals rising cyber threats to critical infrastructure.
• •The Government of Canada introduces a new cybersecurity certification for defence suppliers.
• •Budget 2024 allocates $917.4 million to enhance cybersecurity measures.

On April 14, 2026, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security released its National Cyber Threat Assessment for 2025-2026, highlighting an increase in sophisticated cyber threats targeting Canada's critical infrastructure and essential services. The report indicates that cybercriminals and state adversaries are increasingly attempting to disrupt Canadian systems and influence public opinion through coordinated cyber campaigns. Concurrently, the Government of Canada announced the introduction of Level 1 of the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity within the defence supply chain. This certification will be required for select defence contracts starting in Summer 2026, ensuring that suppliers meet standardized cybersecurity requirements. The government has allocated $917.4 million in Budget 2024 to bolster intelligence and cyber operations programs. The assessment emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness against evolving cyber threats, as Canada remains a significant target for malicious activities.