On October 20, CIGI hosted the third annual Waterloo Security Dialogue (WSD). The conference aims to address cybersecurity challenges impacting Canada, primarily through opening critical lines of communication among leading cybersecurity experts, policymakers, researchers and community advocates. Since its inception, the Dialogue has promoted the notion that the best line of cyber defence is an informed, connected and engaged network, transferring knowledge and forward-looking approaches as threats evolve and become more sophisticated.
The inaugural WSD in 2023 focused on the need for cross-jurisdictional knowledge dissemination and input on best practices for cybersecurity. It also explored what rapid and practical incident responses for diverse cases may look like, and emphasized the benefits of ongoing private-public discourse.
In 2024, motifs of capacity-building, threat mitigation strategies, and talent acquisition in the cybersecurity domain were at the fore of WSD conversations. Initiatives such as regional hubs — fostering trusted connections between cybersecurity communities of experts and the smallest, most vulnerable organizations — were put forward as a promising model for fortifying regional defences.
This year, the cybersecurity hub initiative was examined further, with speakers imparting lessons learned from the launch of a pilot project in early 2025. The Dialogue also centered on the Government of Canada cybersecurity agenda, the value of coordination and collaboration, and how to optimize cyber threat information sharing.
In addition to insights shared and partnerships built at this year’s conference, we hope that the forthcoming conference report will inform durable solutions for cybersecurity challenges impacting the nation.
