News conference on the National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026 by the Communications Security Establishment Canada and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Ottawa, Ontario – October 29, 2024 – Today, the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) released the National Cyber Threat Assessment (NCTA) 2025-2026. The NCTA provides an overview of the current cyber threat landscape and the anticipated threats that Canada may face over the next two years.
“The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, and it is important that we stay ahead of the curve,” said CSE Chief Alison LeClaire. “The NCTA is a valuable tool that will help us to do just that.”
The NCTA 2025-2026 identifies three key trends that are shaping the cyber threat landscape:
- The rise of nation-state cyber threats. Nation-state actors are increasingly using cyber tools to achieve their strategic objectives. These actors are well-resourced and sophisticated, and they pose a significant threat to Canada’s national security.
- The increasing sophistication of cybercrime. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems. These criminals are motivated by profit, and they are responsible for a wide range of cybercrimes, including ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, and identity theft.
- The growing interconnectedness of the world. The increasing use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and other connected devices is creating new opportunities for cybercriminals and nation-state actors. These devices can be used to collect personal information, track individuals, and launch attacks on critical infrastructure.
The NCTA 2025-2026 also identifies several specific threats that Canada may face over the next two years. These threats include:
- Ransomware attacks: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a computer system and demands a ransom payment in exchange for decrypting the files. Ransomware attacks can be very disruptive, and they can cause significant financial losses.
- Phishing campaigns: Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses deceptive emails or text messages to trick people into revealing their personal information. Phishing campaigns can be used to steal passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information.
- Identity theft: Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can have a devastating impact on victims, and it can be difficult to resolve.
- Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure: Critical infrastructure, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and hospitals, is increasingly being targeted by cyberattacks. These attacks can have a significant impact on public safety and the economy.
The NCTA 2025-2026 provides a number of recommendations to help Canadians protect themselves from cyber threats. These recommendations include:
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Strong passwords are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring you to enter a code that is sent to your phone or email address in addition to your password.
- Be careful about what you click on. Don’t click on links in emails or text messages from people you don’t know. Hover over links to see where they really go before you click on them.
- Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
- Back up your data regularly. If your computer is infected with ransomware, you may be able to recover your files if you have a backup.
- Report any suspicious activity to the Cyber Centre. If you suspect that you have been the victim of a cyberattack, report it to the Cyber Centre at www.cyber.gc.ca/en/report.
“The NCTA is a valuable tool that will help Canadians understand the cyber threats that we face,” said Cyber Centre Head Scott Jones. “By following the recommendations in the NCTA, Canadians can take steps to protect themselves from these threats.”
The NCTA 2025-2026 is available on the CSE website at www.cse-cst.gc.ca/en/ncta.
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