OTTAWA, September 10, 2012 – On September 5 and 6, Canada hosted the Organization of American States (OAS) Roundtable Discussion for Cyber Security Policymakers where senior officials from Member States of the OAS exchanged best practices and strategies for enhancing cyber security.
Neil Klopfenstein, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Committee against
Terrorism (CICTE), Organization of American States, said "I appreciate the tremendous support that Canada has provided to OAS Member States on cyber security issues, and I call upon other countries in the region to develop national cyber security strategies, like Canada, Colombia and the United States have done. New threats are always emerging and they call for new training, new policies, and the continued sharing of information and best practices."
"Canada is committed to playing an important role with OAS Member States and our partners around the world in building a global culture that promotes an open, trusted and secure cyber community," said Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety. "Canada is pleased to be working with other OAS member states whose efforts are creating a strong foundation for our collective security and prosperity."
"Cyber security is critical to sustaining economic growth, building a connected global society, and keeping our citizens safe," said Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs). "Dealing with cyber threats in isolation is not enough. Our Government is determined to tackle these issues in concert with our allies, as part of our broader commitment to enhance security in the hemisphere and to deepen our relationships with countries throughout the Americas."
During the Roundtable Discussion for Cyber Security Policymakers, Canada showcased its Cyber Security Strategy, which is the Government's policy – and its commitment – to keep Canadians safe in cyberspace, and to keep Canada safe, secure, and prosperous.
This workshop is part of a larger OAS cyber-crime initiative funded by Canada's Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program (CTCBP). Announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in August 2011, Canada is contributing over $1.2 million to assist states in the Americas to prevent, monitor and respond to cyber threats by enhancing national-level planning and coordination and to promote regional cooperation. Through this project, states are encouraged to join the OAS Secure Hemispheric Network of Cyber Security Incident-Response Teams (CSIRTs).
Representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and the U.S. also delivered presentations on their national security policies, capacities regarding cyber incident response and critical information infrastructure protection, as well as legal frameworks, technical capabilities, and existing technology to combat cybercrime.
Please click here for more information on Canada's Cyber Security Strategy, as well as information on Canada's support for peace and security projects in Columbia and the region.
For more information on the Organization of American States.
