Protect Your Research: Ontario

As a core part of its mandate, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) investigates and advises the Government of Canada on threats posed by espionage and foreign-influenced activities. As the world becomes more competitive, states are seeking every advantage. In order to fulfil their economic and security or military priorities, some foreign states engage in espionage. This foreign espionage has significant ramifications for Canada, including lost jobs, corporate and tax revenues, as well as diminished competitive and national advantages.

In 2019, Ontario contributed $748 billion to Canada’s GDP as Canada’s largest economy. In addition to traditional sectors like Manufacturing, Mining and Agriculture, Ontario’s major economic sectors include: Aerospace, Automotive, Clean Tech, Cybersecurity, Life Sciences, Industrial Automation and Robotics, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Several of these sectors have been identified by CSIS and its partners as being of significant interest to hostile foreign state actors.

The province of Ontario remains Canada’s ICT leader and is estimated to have contributed $43.6 billion to the total Canadian ICT economic output in 2019. Seven of the 10 largest tech companies in the world conduct R&D in Ontario, and the province is home to almost 50% of all Canada’s employees in high tech, financial services and other knowledge-intensive industries. Unfortunately, this makes Ontario a target; sectors of the knowledge economy are particularly vulnerable given that creativity and innovation thrive in open and collaborative environments where information and technological knowledge are regularly shared within and across national borders. Emerging technology fields, at the cutting edge of innovation such as biopharma and health, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, ocean technology and aerospace are among those facing the greatest level of threat activity in Canada.

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 statesponsored 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?

What is Targeted?

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?

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

How Can I Protect Myself?

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: 1-800-267-7685

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