Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I am pleased to be here to report on progress made by Shared Services Canada in the context of the Auditor General's report, released last October, on protecting Canadian critical infrastructure against cyber-threats.
Shared Services Canada was created on August 4, 2011, with the mandate to consolidate and modernize the IT infrastructure of the Government of Canada, including enhancing the security and safety of the digital infrastructure supporting the government's own systems, particularly with respect to e-mail, data centres, and networks.
Shared Services Canada's new and evolving role is consistent with the Auditor General's recommendations with respect to the security of IT infrastructure. The integrity of the Government of Canada's critical IT infrastructure is a priority for Shared Services Canada.
Shared Services Canada plays a key role with four facets.
First, it prevents cyber threats by using trusted infrastructure products and services, by enhancing security by design, and through security awareness and training.
Second, it detects cyber threats and unwarranted intrusions into government networks through real time, government-wide monitoring, detection, identification, prioritization and reporting of incidents. This would include forensics, log analysis and investigations, as well as security and vulnerability assessments.
Third, it responds and coordinates responses to cyber and IT security incidents, including through remediation, threat assessments, communications, post incident analysis and reconfigurations and replacements.
Lastly, it recovers through rapid and effective restoration of services using specialized IT security incident recovery services, mitigation advice and guidance, as well as vulnerability remediation.
As mentioned in the Auditor General's report, we are working with officials in the Treasury Board Secretariat to address the recommendations included in the audit, including revisions to the policy on government security to incorporate Shared Services Canada's new IT security roles and responsibilities.
Shared Services Canada is also enhancing the federal Information Protection Centre for its 43 departments, which will give them access to a centralized 24-7 centre with better recovery capabilities and a specialized IT security incident recovery team. As part of this work, we are establishing a cyber-asset recall system as well as updating security provisions for the procurement of products and services.
Finally, Shared Services Canada works extensively with partner departments and agencies, at both the planning and an operational level, to ensure continued efficient, high-quality, and secure IT service delivery to Canadians.
Mr. Chair, I will be pleased to answer any questions committee members may have.