Okay. I apologize for the interruption.
When requested, we provide cyber-defence services and maintain an open line of communication to mitigate potential threats.
To detect malicious cyber-activity on government networks, systems and cloud infrastructure, the cyber centre uses autonomous sensors, including network-based sensors, cloud-based sensors and host-based sensors. These defences protect systems of importance from an average of 6.6 billion attempted malicious actions per day.
CSC continues to monitor Government of Canada networks and systems of importance for cyber-threats. We are working in close coordination with government partners, including relevant security agencies.
We deliver foreign intelligence-informed cyber-defence.
Finally, I would like to call members’ attention to the solutions available to them. Indeed, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security offers parliamentarians a support service, in addition to holding regular information sessions for political parties on cyber-threats, as well as providing a dedicated point of contact at the centre for accessing cybersecurity support.
Since 2017, the CSE has established four unclassified reports on cyber-threats to Canada's democratic processes, and our “National Cyber Threat Assessment 2023-2024” highlights how online foreign influence activities have become a new normal, with adversaries seeking to influence elections and impact international discourse related to current events.
Since 2014, interdepartmentally, the CSE's cyber centre has worked closely with Elections Canada to ensure that our election systems and infrastructure remain secure. The CSE also continues to work as part of the security and intelligence threats to elections task force, SITE. Cyber-incidents such as ransomware, DDoS and supply chain compromises are becoming more frequent across all industry sectors, and these incidents are negatively impacting our prosperity, privacy and security. That's why Bill C-26 is so important. It would give the government new tools and authorities to better bolster defences, improve security across critical federally regulated industry sectors, and protect Canadians and Canada's critical infrastructure from cyber-threats.
Four sectors are subject to the mandatory cyber-incident reporting in Bill C-26: finance, energy, telecommunications and transportation. These were all prioritized due to their importance to both Canadians and other sectors. They are critical enablers. Bill C-26 will improve our ability to protect ourselves from both the threats we observe today and the threats we will face tomorrow.
The federal government intends to launch its updated national cybersecurity strategy, which will communicate Canada's long-term approach to addressing evolving threats in cyberspace. Central to the new strategy will be a shift in focus towards a whole-of-society approach to Canada's national cyber resilience, where public and private entities and all levels of government work in close partnership to defend against cyber-threats, including threats to our institutions. The government also recently announced the defence policy update, “Our North, Strong and Free”, which proposes a significant new investment in the CSE through budget 2024.
Finally, an important aspect of Canada's whole-of-society approach to our collective security includes practising good cyber hygiene, including safe social media practices, especially in those public roles. The cyber centre has released guidance on ways to protect yourself online. It also has cybersecurity resources for elections authorities, political campaigns and Canadian voters. I really encourage you to take a look at our website, getcybersafe.gc.ca. I would also encourage organizations that have been impacted by cyber-threats to contact the cyber centre, so that it can help share threat-related information with partners to help keep Canada and Canadians safe online.
Further, to make cyber-incident reporting easier for Canadians, the CSE is also working with its federal partners to establish a single-window solution for reporting cyber-incidents, with the ultimate goal being to ensure that Canadians can always find the help they need. This was a key recommendation this week from the Auditor General.
To conclude, the CSE and the cyber centre remain active in their collaboration with all partners, including the House of Commons, to improve Canada's cyber-resilience and protect our democratic institutions. We will continue to monitor any developing cyber-threats and share threat information with our partners and stakeholders, as always.
Once again, thank you for your invitation to appear before you today. We are pleased to be able to contribute to this important discussion and give you an overview of the way the Communications Security Establishment and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security both work every day to protect Canadians and their democratic institutions.
Thank you for your attention.