CyberSecure Canada
Canada
Protect your business and its stakeholders from cyber threats
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 31, 2020
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Innovation Canada
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get certification from the federal government for complying with baseline cyber security controls, such as having an incident response plan, securely configured devices and software, and employee awareness training. The certification mark lets your custom
grant_single_labels|projects
CyberSecure Canada certification is available to small and medium-sized organizations across Canada. This federal program focuses on improving cybersecurity practices throughout the country.
- All provinces and territories in Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$12,000
Montreal
Implement secure device configuration for a small financial cooperative
$15,000
Toronto
Upgrade cybersecurity infrastructure for a NPO based including purchasing new software and hardware
$15,000
Vancouver
Conduct a comprehensive cybersecurity audit for a social economy enterprise
$8,000
Winnipeg
Enhance cybersecurity for a sole proprietorship through software upgrades and employee training
$15,000
Calgary
Implementing a new incident response plan for a for-profit company
$12,000
Ottawa
Secure communications for a general partnership with state-of-the-art encryption software
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the CyberSecure Canada certification requires adherence to certain prerequisites set by the program.
- The organization must be categorized as a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
- Registration on the CyberSecure Canada portal is required to begin the certification process.
- An accredited certification body must be selected to conduct an audit.
- The organization must complete a certification readiness survey as part of the preparation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The CyberSecure Canada certification program is specifically aimed at small and medium-sized organizations in Canada seeking to improve their cybersecurity posture. This program is voluntary and is designed to assist such organizations in enhancing their cybersecurity practices to safeguard information and build trust with their customer base and broader supply chain.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The CyberSecure Canada grant supports projects and activities aimed at enhancing cybersecurity practices among small and medium-sized organizations. The initiative focuses on providing resources and certification to improve the organization’s cybersecurity posture.
- Participation in the free eLearning series to gain knowledge on cybersecurity best practices.
- Application and preparation for CyberSecure Canada certification, including completing a certification readiness survey.
- Engaging an accredited certification body to conduct a cybersecurity audit.
- Displaying the CyberSecure Canada certification mark after successful certification to build trust with stakeholders.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for the CyberSecure Canada certification program are all regions within Canada.
- Program available to all regions in Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Applicants must be small or medium-sized organizations.
- Organizations must meet the security controls outlined in the National Standard CAN/CIOSC 104:2021.
- Applicants must demonstrate a willingness to improve their cybersecurity posture.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Program
- Visit the Standards Council of Canada web page for details about the CyberSecure Canada certification program.
- Review the Digital Governance Council web page and consult the National Standard CAN/CIOSC 104:2021 for baseline cybersecurity controls.
- Step 2: Self-Directed Learning
- Engage with the free eLearning series available on the CyberSecure Canada page.
- Complete the 14 modules at your own pace to understand the 13 security controls.
- Step 3: Register on the CyberSecure Canada Portal
- Create an account on the CyberSecure Canada portal to begin the certification process.
- Provide necessary organizational details to register your interest in getting certified.
- Step 4: Certification Readiness Survey
- Complete the certification readiness survey through your portal account.
- Step 5: Select an Accredited Certification Body
- Choose an accredited certification body via the CyberSecure Canada portal to conduct an audit of your organization.
- Step 6: Undertake Certification Audit
- Undergo an audit to evaluate your compliance with the CyberSecure Canada security controls.
- Step 7: Certification Confirmation
- Once certified, you will receive the CyberSecure Canada certification mark, valid for two years.
- Refer to the Certification Display Requirements web page for guidelines on using the certification mark.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for the CyberSecure Canada certification program:
- Organizations can enhance their competitive advantage by demonstrating proactive cybersecurity efforts to customers and supply chain partners.
- A bilingual eLearning series is available to assist organizations in understanding and preparing for the 13 security controls outlined in the program.
- The eLearning modules are designed to be accessible for individuals with minimal technical knowledge.
- Certification is valid for two years, during which the CyberSecure Canada certification mark can be displayed as proof of the organization’s cybersecurity posture.
- Additional resources, including how-to guides, fillable templates, and policy examples, are provided to support organizations during the certification process.
grant_single_labels|contact
ISED-ISDE@canada.ca
1-800-328-6189
Apply to this program
Enhance Your Cybersecurity with CyberSecure Canada Certification
The CyberSecure Canada certification program empowers small and medium-sized enterprises to improve their cybersecurity practices, reducing the risk of cyber incidents and boosting their competitive edge in the market. This government-backed initiative offers a pathway for companies to assure their clients and stakeholders of their commitment to safeguarding sensitive information through a structured, educational approach.
Dive Deeper into CyberSecure Canada's Certification Program
The CyberSecure Canada certification is a strategic effort by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to bolster the cybersecurity resilience of small and medium-sized organizations across the nation. By participating in this voluntary certification program, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to robust cybersecurity practices, which is essential for building trust with customers, partners, investors, and suppliers in an increasingly digital world.
The certification process begins with organizations engaging in a thorough review of their cybersecurity strategies, aided by a suite of 14 modules that detail the 13 key security controls outlined by the program. These modules are tailored to accommodate learners with minimal technical expertise, ensuring accessibility and ease of understanding. Each module provides foundational knowledge on specific security controls, case studies illustrating potential risks, and interactive quizzes to solidify comprehension, making the learning process both comprehensive and engaging.
The resources offered by CyberSecure Canada extend beyond mere instruction. They include practical support in the form of how-to guides, downloadable templates, and policy examples that organizations can adapt to their specific contexts. This makes the path to certification not only informative but also highly actionable, guiding businesses through the implementation of best practices in cybersecurity management.
To obtain certification, businesses must first complete a readiness survey on the CyberSecure Canada portal. This step is crucial to assess current cybersecurity capabilities and identify areas for improvement. Once ready, organizations select an accredited certification body to conduct an audit, providing an external and objective evaluation of their cybersecurity practices. This audit ensures that all 13 security controls are effectively implemented and maintained, verifying that the organization meets the high standards set by the program.
Upon successful certification, a business earns the right to display the CyberSecure Canada certification mark for two years. This mark serves as a visual symbol of trust and reliability, signaling to clients and business partners that the organization values security and is proactive in protecting critical information. Moreover, being certified helps businesses navigate compliance landscapes and fortifies their reputation in the digital economy, striking a balance between operational goals and security needs.
CyberSecure Canada emphasizes continuous improvement and education in cybersecurity, recognizing that threats and technologies are constantly evolving. The eLearning series and additional support materials are regularly updated to reflect the latest standards and strategies in cybersecurity, ensuring that organizations remain at the forefront of security practices. This dynamic approach not only strengthens individual organizations but also contributes to the broader security posture of Canada's economic infrastructure.
In conclusion, CyberSecure Canada's certification program is not just about meeting minimum security standards; it is about fostering a culture of security within organizations where maintaining best practices becomes second nature. By participating in this program, businesses not only safeguard their operational integrity but also enhance their marketability as secure, responsible partners ready to tackle the digital challenges of today's business environment.
