Cyber Security Awareness Month 2026

From: Communications Security Establishment Canada

News release

October 1, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario

This October, Get Cyber Safe, the Government of Canada’s national public awareness campaign led by the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE), launches Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) 2026 under the theme ‘’Your best defence is you’’.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way cybercriminals operate, making some scams and online threats more convincing than ever. While the technology behind these threats is evolving, one thing remains the same: your awareness, judgement and everyday cyber security habits are among your strongest defences.

Being your own best defence does not mean becoming a cyber security expert. It means recognizing that simple everyday actions can make a real difference. Taking a moment to verify a suspicious message, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) and using strong, unique passwords can help protect your accounts, devices and personal information.

Throughout October, Get Cyber Safe will share practical advice to help Canadians build stronger cyber security habits at home, at work, and everywhere in between. The campaign will focus on four weekly themes:

  • Week 1: Recognize cyber threats – Your instincts matter. Learn how to spot phishing attempts and scams, and remember to pause before clicking, replying or sharing information.
  • Week 2: Strengthen your defences – Strengthen your protection with strong passwords, password managers and MFA. Learn how these habits can make it easier to stay secure online.
  • Week 3: Protect your information – Make safer choices when banking, shopping or using government services online. Learn simple steps to help protect your personal information.
  • Week 4: Build your cyber security community – Keep your good cyber security habits going after Cyber Month and help others become a stronger first line of defence. Share what you’ve learned, talk to loved ones about online threats and learn how to report scams and fraud.

Cyber security starts with the choices we make every day. Canadians can visit the Get Cyber Safe website for trusted information, tools and resources that can help them strengthen cyber security habits and be prepared for evolving online threats.

Quotes

“Cyber security is a shared responsibility. Governments and organizations have an important role to play, and each of us also contributes to Canada’s collective resilience through the choices we make online. By working together and building strong cyber security habits, we can help create a safer and more secure digital Canada.”

– The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

"AI is making some online threats and scams more convincing than ever, but the fundamentals of cyber security have not changed. Taking a moment to verify a suspicious message, using strong and unique passwords, and enabling MFA remain some of the most effective ways to protect yourself online. By building strong cyber security habits, Canadians can help protect themselves, their families and their communities."

– Rajiv Gupta, Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre)

Quick facts

  • According to the 2026 Get Cyber Safe Awareness Tracking Survey:

    • 59% of Canadians reported experiencing at least one type of cyber incident in the last year
    • 73% of Canadians are concerned about AI-related cybercrime
    • 42% of Canadians feel confident they can recognize AI-generated content

  • Cyber Month is an internationally recognized awareness campaign held every October to highlight the importance of cyber security.

  • Get Cyber Safe is the Government of Canada’s national public awareness campaign, established in 2011 under the National Cyber Security Strategy to empower Canadians with the tools and resources needed to stay safe online.

  • Led by CSE, Get Cyber Safe delivers practical advice and trusted guidance developed in coordination with the Cyber Centre.

  • The Cyber Centre serves as Canada’s technical and operational authority on cyber security, providing advice, guidance, and support to governments, critical infrastructure and Canadian organizations nationwide.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, please contact (media only):

CSE Media Relations
media@cse-cst.gc.ca

Stay connected
Follow CSE on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on LinkedIn, and follow Get Cyber Safe on the following platforms:

Page details

2026-10-01