January 4, 2019 | Local, C4ISR, Security

Canada’s domestic spy agency looking to hire hackers and data scientists

OTTAWA–Canada's domestic spy agency is in the market for hackers.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) wants to hire a “network exploitation analyst” to assist the agency in “cyber investigative activities.”

The successful candidate will be expected to build new tools for the spy agency to carry out electronic snooping, develop and maintain a database of “malware” exploits, and provide analysis of “technical artifacts,” according to the job posting.

CSIS, which investigates activities suspected of constituting threats to national security, can and routinely does rely on its sister agency, the Communication Security Establishment (CSE), for high-tech help with its espionage efforts. While CSE is focused on gathering foreign intelligence and is forbidden from spying on Canadians, it can assist domestic law enforcement and intelligence agencies with their own investigations.

But one spy watcher said CSIS building up an in-house capability for cyber spying may have less to do with traditional espionage than with its new powers actually to disrupt threats to Canada.

Ronald Deibert, the director of Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs, said he's not surprised CSIS is in the market for hackers — state-sponsored hacking is on the rise, and the Liberal government's new national security laws empower Canada's spy agencies to take part.

But Deibert, one of Canada's foremost cybersecurity researchers, told the Star that he has significant concerns about the agencies' new electronic powers.

“While (Liberal national security bill) C-59 placed some limits and provided some clarity on what those disruption powers would entail, the prospect of CSIS hacking in any form should give everyone pause, especially because there is still a lot of uncertainty around what that mandate would allow,” Deibert said in an email.

“Practically speaking, CSIS hacking could include computer network interference in a foreign election process, compromising the integrity of important digital tools that Canadians rely on for everyday privacy and security, creating fake online personas and using them to spread disinformation and more.”

John Townsend, a spokesperson for the spy agency, said Bill C-59 gives the agency “clear legislative authority” for the collection and analysis of information not “directly or immediately” related to national security threats.

Full article: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2019/01/03/canadas-domestic-spy-agency-looking-to-hire-hackers-and-data-scientists.html

On the same subject

June 18, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

Will the request for bids for new Canadian fighter jets be released next month?
DAVID PUGLIESE Federal officials are hoping to get out the request for proposals on the Canada's future fighter jet procurement project by mid-July. That will mean that any changes have to be done and the process signed off in the coming weeks. At the same time a federal election is expected by October and should take place on or before October 21. Can federal bureaucrats make the mid-July deadline? “There's always risk to it,” said Pat Finn, Assistant Deputy Minister for Materiel at the Department of National Defence. “We recognize the closer we get to a writ period the more there is an issue there. So we're just making sure we're driving hard to get it out by mid-July.” At this point four aircraft are expected to be considered: two U.S.-built aircraft, the F-35, and the Super Hornet, and two European planes, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Gripen. The winning bidder will build 88 jets for Canada, and the first delivery is expected in the mid-2020s with the full capability available in the early 2030s, according to documents produced by the Department of National Defence. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/will-the-request-for-bids-for-new-canadian-fighter-jets-be-released-next-month
November 19, 2018 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

Calian Re-Wins Significant Defence Training Contract Valued at up to $170 Million
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For these training exercises, Calian's expert team of some 600 full- and part-time resources apply their substantial experience, knowledge and passion to create realistic and cost-effective synthetic training environments. Calian Training ensures maximum value from the training delivered through CASC while preparing future military leaders and security authorities for events in which failure is unacceptable. Through CASC, Calian Training also designs and delivers complex, multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional emergency management exercises to help ensure safety and security readiness for major events. These exercises have supported the Vancouver Olympics and G7, G8 and G20 world leader summits in Canada. Calian, an award-winning veteran friendly employer, has proudly supported military training and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operational readiness through this contract for over 20 years. Calian and CASC have developed tools and a framework and methodology supporting a wide range of military and emergency management training exercises for government and military clients, nationally and internationally. In partnership with CASC, Calian's skilled exercise design experts have integrated custom 2D/3D software for virtual and constructive simulation exercises, tailored to specified training objectives. The result is a total immersive training experience that replicates the operational environment that the CAF or customer may face. “Our innovative technology solutions allow the training audience to be immersed into complex environments, complete with real-world considerations such as simulated social media channels. These tools, combined with our passionate, expert employees, put us in a position to offer these complex exercises and training programs,” said Donald Whitty, Vice President, Calian Training. “We're seeing increased demand for the expertise we bring to CASC, particularly in the field of emergency management. There's no company quite like Calian to deliver these specialized, innovative and scalable services.” “This contract supports the CAF and the customer retention pillar of our four pillar growth framework. For Calian, supporting the operational readiness of the Canadian Forces is more than just a commitment – it's a passion and a privilege. I'm proud of our delivery of state-of-the-art, realistic learning and training exercises that help keep soldiers and all Canadians safe,” added Kevin Ford, President and CEO, Calian. “The innovation happening at Calian Training, and with CASC, is very exciting. Calian's advanced toolset is integrated with those of the Canadian Armed Forces, demonstrating our focus on continuous process improvement both at Calian and in the work we do with our customers.” To see exclusive footage from inside a CFB Kingston training facility, watch Calian's three-minute video on CASC here. About the Canadian Army Simulation Centre The Canadian Army Simulation Centre provides training capabilities in support of land operations and concept development. This world-class training organization provides support to the Canadian Army, RCAF, CJOC, CAF, and other government departments. Calian designs, develops and delivers training services for CASC under the Training and Support Services Contract. CASC is located in Kingston with Divisional Simulation Centres in Edmonton, Petawawa, Valcartier and Gagetown. About Calian Training For more than 20 years Calian Training has been providing a full-suite of specialized training services to both public and private sector organizations, including the Canadian Armed Forces and nuclear power operators. We help customers in both the emergency management and military domains validate their plans and team performances. Calian's training experts help large and small organizations prepare for events in which the consequences of failure are unacceptable. About Calian Calian employs over 3,000 people with offices and projects that span Canada, U.S. and international markets. The company's capabilities are diverse with services delivered through two divisions. The Business and Technology Services (BTS) Division is headquartered in Ottawa and includes the provision of business and technology services and solutions to industry, public and government in the health, training, engineering and IT services domains. Calian's Systems Engineering Division (SED) located in Saskatoon provides the world's leading space technology companies with innovative solutions for testing, operating and managing their satellite networks. SED provides leading-edge communications products for terrestrial and satellite networks, as well as providing commercial (including agriculture) and defence customers with superior electronics engineering, manufacturing and test services for both private sector and military customers in North America. For investor information, please visit our website at www.calian.com or contact us at ir@calian.com https://www.calian.com/en/calian-rewins-defence-training-contract-valued-170-million
March 9, 2021 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

Canadian military gets its 1st female vice-chief of the defence staff in major shakeup | CBC News
An important shakeup is happening at the top of the Canadian military. The deputy commander of the Armed Forces has been replaced. Lt-Gen. Mike Rouleau will step aside as vice-chief of the defence staff to make way for Lt.-Gen. Frances Allen, the country's first woman deputy commander.

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