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PSEPC Daily Brief

The PSEPC Daily Brief is a compilation of summaries of publicly available and PSEPC information concerning critical infrastructure protection and emergency management.

DOB05-210 - November 2, 2005

News

High-tech surveillance announced for Canada ’s coasts and infrastructure
On November 1, officials announced a multimillion-dollar, networked fleet of cameras and sensors created to patrol Canada's coasts and infrastructure in efforts to prevent terrorism and improve the response to accidents and natural disasters. The high-tech surveillance fleet will combine thousands of real-time images and data from networks of optical and infrared sensors, satellites trained on Canadian coastal regions, and cameras deployed on highways, helicopters, ships or other sites. Software will analyze the information and create an overall assessment of the threat or emergency, which might consist of a visual element such as a map overlaid with relevant data. The surveillance fleet was created by MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Incorporated, in partnership with Defence R&D; Canada, Canada’s military laboratory, Actenum Corporation, the University of Calgary and Simon Fraser University. The project is scheduled to be completed by December 2007.
(Source: CALGARY HERALD, November 1, 2005)
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In brief

Avian influenza detected in B.C. birds
A form of avian influenza has been found in 14 wild migratory birds in B.C., but health officials have not yet determined the exact strain of the virus. The live and healthy birds were identified as being infected with the H5 subtype of the avian influenza virus; however, this does not indicate a threat to human health.
(Source: British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, November 1, 2005)
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CN to implement operational changes to minimize derailments
On November 1, Canadian National (CN) Railway and B.C.’s Ministers of Transportation and Environment held a meeting at the B.C. legislature to discuss the minimization of derailments on the B.C. rail line from Vancouver to Prince George. Media reports that, after the meeting CN Rail committed to making operational changes in order to minimize the chance of more derailments.
(Source: CTV.ca, November 1, 2005)
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Japan to dispatch inspectors to Canada and US to confirm plant safety
Media reports indicate that the Japanese government is planning to dispatch inspectors to Canadian and US meat-processing plants to confirm safety measures against mad cow disease, before the country resumes beef imports from Canada and the US. The inspectors could depart Japan in early December 2005, and, if safety measures are confirmed, beef imports could resume by the end of this year.
(Source: asahi.com, November 2, 2005)
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Cyber risk assessment

Over the course of the past 24 hours, the Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) has not detected any significant new threats or vulnerabilities. No significant incidents with the potential to affect critical infrastructure have been reported. Accordingly, based on the information available to CCIRC, the cyber risk facing Canadian critical infrastructure is assessed as low. Personnel responsible for information, systems and network security should continue to apply appropriate security precautions and monitor their systems.

Recent cyber alerts and advisories issued by CCIRC can be viewed under “Recent analytical releases” at www.psepc.gc.ca/ccirc.

See also...

• The Weather Office
• FAC - Travel Updates

Note to readers

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) collects information related to cyber and physical threats to, and incidents involving, Canadian critical infrastructure. This allows us to monitor and analyze threats and to issue alerts, advisories and other information products. To report threats or incidents, please contact the Government Operations Centre (GOC) at (613) 991-7000 or goc-cog@psepc-sppcc.gc.ca by e-mail.

Unauthorized use of computer systems and mischief in relation to data are serious Criminal Code offences in Canada. Any suspected criminal activity should be reported to local law enforcement organizations. The RCMP National Operations Centre (NOC) provides a 24/7 service to receive such reports or to redirect callers to local law enforcement organizations. The NOC can be reached at (613) 993-4460. National security concerns should be reported to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) at (613) 993-9620.

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