Security Never Takes a Break – Vigilance!

February 1^st, 2021 - Defence Strories

As Director General Defence Security (DGDS) and Chief Security Officer (CSO), I have the pleasure to announce that the Security Awareness Week (SAW) will be held virtually from February 1-5, 2021.

The Government-wide campaign will provide an opportunity for security practitioners in each department to demonstrate the importance of departmental security programs. Within the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the week will promote sound security practises in the workplace, working remotely and CAF operations.

As most DND employees and CAF members are now working remotely and using new tools like Defence O365 to conduct business, the SAW theme this year is “Working Remotely - The New Reality” with a focus on enhancing IT security and security of information practices. This renewed focus on IT security vigilance highlights how success depends on continuing collective effort.

SAW’s objective for DND/CAF is to encourage ongoing security efforts in order to strengthen our security culture. This means energizing employees and members to integrate security in their daily activities. Ensuring proper security measures are in place, understood and followed are important aspects of the work we accomplish individually and collectively for the Department. The impact is significant – it keeps our soldiers, sailors, and aviators safe on operations at home and abroad.

DGDS will engage employees and members at all levels leading up to, during and post SAW. It will use our virtual security campaign and a variety of communication products to reach members of the Defence Team not only in the NCR but also on Bases, Wings and Formations across the country.

To help make this SAW a success, all Defence Team members are invited to visit the Defence Team COVID-19 web page on Canada.ca for the latest on working remotely, business resumption planning, mental health and wellness, and much more. Personnel and security practitioners who wish to promote security in their workplace may get SAW products and information from the DGDS intranet toolkit. Products are available here: http://intranet.mil.ca/en/health-safety-security/security-awareness-toolkit.page (Accessible only on the National Defence network).

You are an important part of keeping all members of our Defence Team secure through VIGILANCE!

Brigadier-General André Demers
Director General Defence Security and Chief Security Officer