Communications Security Establishment releases annual report

News release

June 28, 2022- Ottawa, Ontario

The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) today released its Annual Report for 2021 to 2022.

The report contains an unclassified overview of the activities of CSE and its Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) in 2021-2022. Examples include:

  • exposing Russian-backed disinformation campaigns and malicious cyber activity
  • conducting foreign cyber operations to counter foreign extremism and cybercrime
  • mitigating the impact of the Log4j vulnerability on the networks of federal institutions
  • offering hands-on cyber incident support to the health system of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • improving Canada’s cyber resilience through research, innovation, partnerships, training and public awareness
  • supporting the work of CSE’s independent, external oversight and review bodies
  • promoting employee wellbeing
  • tackling systemic inequities in a strategic and deliberate way

 

Quotes

“Over the past year, the contributions of the Communications Security Establishment to our country have been indispensable. CSE has helped the Government of Canada understand the actions and intentions of our foreign adversaries and has exposed irresponsible behaviour in cyber space. CSE’s Cyber Centre, too, has helped to defend Canada’s federal institutions and critical infrastructure from a never-ending string of cyber incidents, both criminal and state-sponsored. As our world grows darker, we must remember that cyber security is national security, and to that end, I thank all members of the CSE team for their hard work to protect our country.”

- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“In 2021, CSE celebrated its 75th anniversary. We may be getting on in years, but we are not slowing down. As this report shows, we are researching new technologies, creating new tools and finding new ways of working. Above all, we are making sure our employees have what they need to face the challenges of the future, firing on all cylinders. That means making our workplace as healthy, engaging and inclusive as it can possibly be.”

- Shelly Bruce, Chief CSE

Quick facts

  • In 2021 to 2022, CSE produced over 3,200 foreign intelligence reports to alert and inform the Government of Canada about foreign-based threats and global events affecting Canada.

  • In 2021 to 2022, CSE’s Cyber Centre responded to 2,023 cyber security incidents affecting federal institutions (1,154) and critical infrastructure partners (869). 

  • In 2021, CSE received 3 Ministerial Authorizations to carry out foreign cyber operations.

  • In 2021, the Cyber Centre learned of 304 ransomware incidents against Canadian victims, over half of them in critical infrastructure. Due to underreporting, the real number is likely much higher.

  • CSE’s automated defenses protect the Government of Canada from 3 to 5 billion malicious cyber actions a day, ranging as high as 7 billion. 

  • CSE’s 2021-22 budget is $859 million, total authorities.

  • CSE has 3199 full-time employees.

  • In September 2021, CSE marked 75 years of protecting Canada and Canadians.

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Contacts

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For more information (media only) please contact:
CSE Media Relations
Media@cse-cst.gc.ca

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