Enemy within: covert cyber and intelligence threats to Canada

Canada, renowned for its democratic values and international partnerships, faces a complex web of threats from foreign actors and insiders. Recent attacks on critical infrastructure, democratic processes, academic and medical research, and business supply chains paint a stark picture: Canada’s defences against covert cyber threats and foreign interference are demonstrably inadequate. Canadians are increasingly concerned about the nation’s direction, national security, and citizen well-being. Economic anxieties run high with inflation pinching wallets, and homelessness rising. Meanwhile, large corporations see record profits while tax breaks flow to the wealthy. A report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) underscores the daily battles governments, businesses, and civil society face against various malicious actors. These include nation-states engaged in cyber espionage, individuals seeking financial gain or notoriety, hacktivists, and those pursuing personal vendettas. While traditional military threats remain a concern, covert cyber and intelligence operations foreign governments conduct on Canadian soil are a growing worry. The ongoing Public Inquiry into Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions investigates allegations of Chinese attempts to influence elections by favouring specific candidates. Preliminary findings suggest the People’s Republic of China may have attempted to sway the last two federal elections. The inquiry revealed instances of Chinese consulates allegedly supplying international students with falsified documents to enable voting despite residency outside the targeted electoral district. These activities persisted despite CSIS issuing 34 briefings to the federal government, seemingly ignored by the Prime Minister’s Office, key ministers, and senior officials. Disregarding such reports and questioning CSIS’s credibility raises serious concerns, especially considering the potential self-serving motive of a government focused on retaining power. The government’s failure to intervene exposes a crucial oversight gap, highlighting its potential shortcomings in addressing other critical issues. It raises questions about Canada’s capacity to identify, prevent, and respond to foreign threats, and defend its national interests. In 2019, news emerged of Chinese military personnel training at a Canadian Forces base in Alberta. While downplayed by the government, this incident served as another reminder of the multifaceted covert threat foreign actors pose. Protecting this country's critical energy infrastructure is paramount. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has partnered with its “Five Eyes” allies to issue joint advisories identifying Russia and China as primary cyber aggressors. Europe faces escalating energy security challenges due to the war in Ukraine, highlighting the vulnerability of interconnected supply chains. In 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered vast wind resources in Atlantic Canada for hydrogen-ammonia production destined for Germany. However, concerns remain regarding legislation for such massive, largely experimental projects. Subsequent visits by Trudeau to Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia reportedly included backroom discussions and private deals with wealthy wind energy companies from China and Korea as primary beneficiaries. While such partnerships may hold economic allure, the impact on national security, environmental review, and cybersecurity has yet to receive adequate scrutiny. These proposed projects in Newfoundland coincide with former United States military base locations, potentially jeopardizing critical aspects of Canadian defence strategy if controlled by foreign entities. Additionally, the environmental impact of large-scale wind projects raises concerns, especially considering the potential drawbacks of “green” hydrogen-ammonia schemes. Furthermore, sourcing wind turbine equipment from China for critical energy infrastructure raises national security alarms. Wind turbines can disrupt vital radar systems for military operations, marine navigation, weather monitoring, early warning systems, airport operations, and other essential transportation networks. Notably, Canada relies on over 14,000 foreign-built wind turbines, all potentially vulnerable to cyberattacks targeting industrial control systems. Canada’s relationship with China is complex. While co-operation in areas like trade remains essential, the Chinese government’s potential for covert cyber and intelligence activities poses a significant and immediate threat to national security. Canada needs a comprehensive approach to address these threats to safeguard its future. Prioritizing national security and robust cyber defences is paramount. Immediate action is required, starting with strong leadership at the top committed to transparency and decisive action in the face of foreign interference. Lisa Kearney is a cybersecurity consultant with two decades of industry and workforce expertise working for large enterprise environments around the globe. She is founder and CEO of the Women CyberSecurity Society, Canada's first and only nonprofit dedicated to advancing and retaining women in the security and technology sector for a more diverse and innovative workforce. The Hill Times