In Canada, cybersecurity refers to the collection of technologies, policies, and processes meant to safeguard networks, programs, computers, and data from attack and illegal access. The consultation allows experts, academics, business leaders, and provincial and local governments to share their knowledge and ideas on the subject. Every other year, more attackers are discovered in Canada than the previous year. In addition, those attempting to attack or exploit cyber systems are more sophisticated and resourced than the previous year. They are improving their capacities. We must respond by increasing our investment in ours. "Westby (287). The Canadian economy relies on the internet for most of its transactions. Increased online sales were estimated at $ 62.7 billion in 2007. Cyber threats will harm the economy profoundly when it occurs. There will be enormous losses, loss of livelihood to many citizens that depend on the internet for their business. There will be a massive loss in the country's revenues that come from the online companies. Canadian companies are moving quickly to adopt the most modern digital applications, including next generation and mobile technologies. The government dispenses most of its services online, and there is need to protect the internet and all involved sectors. These services include tax returns, employment insurance forms all who have personal data on the citizens. When such systems have been penetrated by the cyber threats, people's privacy is invaded, and their information will be exposed. The purpose of this consultation on cybersecurity was to review the existing measures that protect the Canadians from these threats. The Canada critical infrastructure has been put in the spotlight due to risks. The Canadian citizens have been invited to be involved in the discussion about the security and economic dimensions of Canada's digital future. Brenner & Koops further summarizes approaches used by governments in these threats. (Brenner & Koops, 51)
History
In the year 2016, a consultation took place between the Canadian government and its Citizens. Between August 16th to October 15th when the discussion took place, its functions were to support the Government of Canada in its commitment to review measures to protect critical infrastructure. The government took up the mandate to protect its citizens from the cyber threats by involving them from the start.
Originating Entities and Funding
The government set aside a five-year program which was funded with $ 1.5 million in grants and contributions. The funds were available for all entities that were working towards improving the cybersecurity of the country by increasing the tools, guidelines and critical infrastructure. The entities involved in the consultation include owners and operators of vital cyber systems, industrial and trade associations, academicians, research organizations, provincial, territories and local governments and authorities.
Participant Selection
This consultation invited the general participation by all the Canadian citizens. More emphasize was laid on trade associations, academicians, provincial and territorial authorities. As a country, the use of internet has been put at over 70 % in the households hence the need to involve ordinary citizens. The other individual groups were in charge of specific areas like institutions and provinces which were at the risk of attacks.
Methods and Tools Used
On September 14th, 2016, there was a French twitter chat on the evolution of cyber threats that involved the general public. The English version of the twitter chat was carried out on September 15th, 2016 for the English speaking audience. On October 5th, 2016, there was a bilingual Facebook live event on Getting Cyber Safe and Sensex cybersecurity' Facebook pages. Meetings were organized to counter the effects of these threats. Westby outlines the activities and output of the members of government, institutions on this grave matter of cyber threats (Westby, 240)
Deliberation, Decisions, and Public Interaction
During the consultation, there was an idea only to certify businesses that met the recognized cybersecurity standards that were set. The senior management staff of organizations was encouraged to report to their boards on cybersecurity health of their businesses. A suggestion to set up a cybercrime center so that it can coordinate the cyber threats and investigations when they are reported. Westby suggests laws, measures that can be adopted in the cybersecurity matters (Westby, 410)
Influence, Outcomes, and Effect
The government taking the need to protect its citizens has increased the Canadians trust in the system where their protection is given priority. Personal information that is shared when remitting some of the services is protected and puts the owners at ease. This, however, will make some citizens hesitate to use and engage in online services for fear of exposure that will arise due to cyber attacks. With the majority of its economy leaning towards the use of the Internet, the revenue generated from all activities is increased because all cyber threats have been prevented from interfering with peoples businesses. With the fear of online businesses being attacked many people will shy off from economic activities involving the use of the internet hence limiting the country's revenue contribution (Cuéllar, 201).
Analysis and Lessons Learned
With the consultation carried out, there is the need for the government systems to be secured. Most systems are using the online platform in some of its services Personal data shared will be protected by the government from any cyber threats. With the majority of Canada's economy thriving on the internet availability, the government has to support initiatives and strengthen Canada's cyber resiliency (Cuéllar, 1147).
Conclusion
With the world going digital at an alarming rate, the use of the internet in services, business has also increased extensively. With such a growth there is the expectation of cyber threats and attacks on the very system. Cybersecurity affects us all in one way or the other because even attackers who have basic knowledge are capable of causing real danger. These attackers interfere with delivery and production of services and essential goods provided by the private sector and the Government. Furthermore, they steal personal information, thus undermining individual's privacy. It is not enough to deal with cyber threats in isolation and as such the Government ought to keep on working with territories, provinces, and private sector together to address the issue of cyber threats facing both Canada and Canadians. The government acknowledgment of the potential dangers when attacked gives confidence to the citizens about their welfare being placed first. The consultation has included the everyday citizens and key participants of the country entities. This way the solutions achieved will be appreciated across the board in the state (Cuéllar, 118).
Works Cited
Brenner, Susan W., and Bert-Jaap Koops. "Approaches to cybercrime jurisdiction." J. High Tech. L. 4 (2004): 12-57
Cuéllar, Mariano-Florentino. The transnational dimension of cyber crime and terrorism. Hoover Institution Press, 2001: 117-219
Westby, Jody R. "International guide to combating cybercrime." American Bar Association, 2003: 231-459
