Imagine the effect this could have on your business: an internet-based attack where cell phones stop working, blackouts are being reported across the country (possibly even worldwide) and the financial markets are in disarray. 

It is a sobering scenario, but one that has not happened. However, the United States Government has considered the ramifications of such a cyber attack.  In fact, it was the main topic of discussion when US Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn recently paid a visit to Ottawa to gain support for a new global organization to tackle cyber warfare. 

In an article from The Ottawa Citizen, Lynn noted that as activity by hackers and computer viruses have been growing, and terrorist organizations having greater access to sophisticated cyber warfare, more should be done to combat and respond to such occurences.

As quoted from the article, Lynn says, “There has to be a shared understanding of how we might tackle them (Internet-based threats) together … National geographical defences are of no use when it comes to cyber threats. Networks can fall prey to an enemy in an instant.”

The creation of this international cyber warfare organization stems from the March release of the US $40 billion Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, which outlines the powers of the government and how to use those powers in the event of an emergency.  The creation of a Canadian cyber security plan was announced earlier this year during the Prime Minister’s throne speech in which he emphasized the need for a strategy to protect the country’s digital infrastructure.

For more information, contact Lesley Cole, International Trade Consultant, (416) 482-5222, ext 239, or lesleycole@occ.on.ca.