Canadians’ reliance on technology and systems for essential services, including in the agriculture sector, require constant innovation and vigilance in cyber security.
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair has announced $500,000 over four years to the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance for their Cyber Security Capacity in Canadian Agriculture project.
The funding is made available through the Cyber Security Cooperation program.
“Canadian agriculture is a critical and increasingly interconnected service, and it is a key part of our economy, trade, and food supply,” says Minister Blair. “This funding to the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance for their Cyber Security Capacity in Canadian Agriculture project will help foster collaboration and protect cyber systems from compromise.”
The government says the project will contribute to enhancing agricultural critical infrastructure protection, by assessing the cyber security capacity of the agricultural sector. The project will also engage with Canadian farm operators and other stakeholders to promote awareness and develop resources related to cyber security on farming operations.
Cal Corley, CEO of Community Safety Knowledge Alliance, says the rapidly evolving cyber threat environment in which Canada’s ag sector operates is outpacing the abilities of many farm and other ag operations to adapt and respond. “This initiative will help better understand and support the sector in closing critical gaps. This will go a long way in protecting this vital segment of our economy — and the livelihoods and well-being of so many families,” Corley says.
The Community Safety Knowledge Alliance is a non-profit corporation that mobilizes, integrates, and facilitates research on community safety and well-being. They work with academia, government, research and technology organizations, industry, and community agencies.