Protect Your Research: Manitoba

In 2019, Manitoba contributed approximately $63 billion to Canada’s GDP. Key sectors driving Manitoba’s economy include life sciences and biotechnology, information and communication technologies (ICT), aerospace, mining and mineral exploration, financial services, agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, energy and environment, and transportation and distribution.

Manitoba has a strong research and innovation ecosystem built around the University of Manitoba and other post-secondary institutions, along with over 30 research and development institutions including the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health and the Canadian Centre for Agri-food Research in Health and Medicine. Bioscience Association Manitoba is another well-known research centre, specializing in infectious disease prevention, food sustainability, and biofuel development. Manitoba’s bioscience sector is broad and diverse with businesses in the areas of health biotech, ag biotech and clean biotech. Winnipeg is the leading pharmaceutical manufacturing centre in Western Canada, and home to major informatics research organizations actively supporting e-health and data analytics.

In addition, the province has a growing tech sector with approximately 1,300 ICT companies operating in Winnipeg alone, specializing in fields such as data management, software development, cybersecurity, and interactive digital media. As the province continues to invest in innovation growth, it is imperative that investments in the province’s future are protected. Unfortunately, sectors of the knowledge economy are particularly vulnerable to interference by hostile foreign actors, given that creativity and innovation thrive best in open and collaborative environments. In these collaborative environments, information and technological knowledge are regularly shared within and across national borders.

As difficult as it is to precisely measure, this damage to our collective prosperity is very real. As a result, it is important that Canadians are better-informed about the threat so that they can continue to innovate, collaborate, partner and prosper with a clear understanding of the risks and the knowledge they need to protect themselves. CSIS is engaging with stakeholders in targeted sectors to increase awareness of the current threat context in Canada and in your province. This information is provided to support those in industry, academia, government, and non-governmental organizations in taking the necessary actions to protect their information, the fruits of their research and intellectual property, and their investments. The government, business, and academic communities have a shared interest in increasing awareness of state-sponsored espionage targeting Canada to mitigate the potential negative impact on our economic growth and ability to innovate. We want to work with you to protect your organization’s assets, reputation and people.

Which Sectors are Targeted?

• Technology
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Health
• Transportation (Aerospace, Rail, Green Vehicles, Maritime Equipment, Supply Chain)
• Academia
• Energy
• Manufacturing

What is Targeted?

• Advanced research and equipment in STEM fields
• Intellectual property
• Critical infrastructure assets
• Personally identifiable information (e.g. financial or health information)
• Government information
• Communications capabilities

More specific examples could include: designs; test results; manufacturing or marketing plans; proprietary formulas or processes; employee information; vendor and supply information; software; investment data; corporate strategies; access protocols; and patent or funding applications.

What Methods Are Used?

• Cyber Espionage
• Human Espionage
• Theft and Illicit Transfer of Technology & Know-How
• Acquisition and Exploitation of Sensitive Canadian Data
• Foreign Access and Control over Critical Infrastructure
• Insider Threats
• Hostile Foreign Investment
• Reverse Engineering
• Sabotage and Disruption
• Exploitative Licensing Agreements
• Elicitation

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

How Can I Protect Myself?

• Identify your most valuable information and protect it _ don’t share unless essential
• Enhance and regularly test or audit your cyber-security policies and practices
• Do your due diligence
• Vet your vendors, funders, partners, employees and visitors
• Promote a security-conscious culture
• Take a risk-management approach
• Employ strong physical security protocols
• Ensure agreements, such as contracts or partnership agreements, are equitable and reciprocal, and that conflict resolution provisions are enforceable
• Protect your assets
• Beware of unknown solicitations
• Contact authorities if you have concerns

What is Hostile Foreign Investment?

While the vast majority of the foreign investment in Canada is carried out in an open and transparent manner, a number of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private firms with close ties to a foreign government and / or intelligence services can pursue corporate acquisition bids in Canada or other economic activities. Corporate acquisitions by these entities pose potential risks related to vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, control over strategic sectors, espionage and foreign influenced activities, and illegal transfer of technology and expertise. The involvement of SOEs or state-linked enterprises in these investments may be covert or concealed.

What are Insider Threats?

Threat actors can use trusted insiders (employees, contractors, suppliers, partners, etc.) to gain access to your organization’s most valuable information. You can also hear these individuals referred to as “non-traditional collectors”. These insiders can also be coerced, manipulated, compelled or incentivized to provide information or access. Behaviours that could indicate a possible insider threat risk include: irregular hours; attempted computer intrusions; showing unusual interest in information outside the scope of the individual’s responsibilities; concealment of foreign affiliations or contacts; and unexplained absences or affluence. You know your organization best. Be alert to unusual or suspicious activities and behaviours.

What is Cyber-Espionage?

Threat actors can use cyber means such as phishing attacks or installation of malware to clandestinely obtain confidential information or steal intellectual property.

What is Elicitation?

A threat actor may try to elicit information by using flattery, indicating interest, asking leading questions, claiming a mutual interest or feigning ignorance. These techniques may be employed in both professional and personal settings.

Contact Us:

General inquiries: 613-993-9620 | Reporting National Security Information: 1-800-267-768