About
The Waterloo Security Dialogue (WSD) is dedicated to enhancing Canada’s cyber resilience by fostering connections between leaders and experts and encouraging collaboration across the nation. An important priority is to promote ongoing, cross-jurisdictional engagement to effectively address Canadian cybersecurity challenges in a comprehensive way. While there are commendable instances of robust partnerships across the country, these successes often exist in isolation, lack consistent distribution and are disconnected from a broader framework.
The WSD encourages a Canadian approach to cybersecurity that integrates distinctive national attributes and values, starting with the recognition that cybersecurity is inherently a collective effort. A cybersecurity “team Canada” must encompass all levels of government, regions, Indigenous communities, critical infrastructure operators, businesses, non-profit organizations and Canadian citizens themselves. The playbook for this national team must transparently outline the roles and responsibilities of each member, while setting expectations for more experienced stakeholders to provide leadership in supporting others in efforts to elevate their cybersecurity standards.
Cybersecurity is not an end goal. Rather, incremental improvements in best cybersecurity practices will fortify a more secure digital Canada — one that underwrites Canadians’ daily dependence on internet-enabled services; supports the online needs of Canadian governments, businesses, academics and innovators; helps safeguard citizens against online harms; and is a globally recognized trusted domain for digital trade and commerce.
