Information Technology Security

The Government of Canada is resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Canadians. Within the Department of National Defence (DND) the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) is the Government of Canada's national centre of cryptological expertise. CSE, through its Information Technology Security (ITS) Branch provides technical and operational assistance to federal law enforcement and security agencies.

The ITS Branch provides advice and guidance regarding the protection of the Government of Canada's electronic information assets and information infrastructures by:

• supporting the development of IT security policy and standards for the Government;
• analyzing vulnerabilities in IT products, systems and networks, and recommending appropriate countermeasures;
• approving cryptographic, computer and network security products and systems for the protection of electronic information and electronic commerce;
• developing and supporting the development of IT security products, systems and services;
• participating in national and international standards development and working with Canadian industry to develop and certify ITS products to meet Government of Canada and National Defence needs;
• developing operational and technical documentation to support the implementation of government security policy and undertaking initiatives to support new or evolving federal requirements; and
• providing IT security consulting services and support to the federal government, to other levels of government and Canadian organizations when beneficial to Government of Canada interests.

CSE's Information Technology Security program provides leadership and support to many secure e-government initiatives, such as Government On-Line, the Strategic Information Management/Information Technology Initiative, Critical Infrastructure Protection, the Government Emergency Operations Co-ordination Centre and the Government of Canada Public Key Infrastructure.

In particular, CSE has provided technical leadership and support to the Secure Channel component of Government On-Line. The project's primary goal is to provide citizens and businesses with secure, private and high-speed access to the federal government's on-line services. The Secure Channel is a fundamental component of the electronic platform providing a single electronic window for Canadians and businesses to conduct on-line transactions with the federal government.

The Secure Channel Project encompasses a large number of deliverables for GOL, including management of the network and operations services, authentication and registration, and the Government of Canada's Certificate Authority of digital certificates. CSE contributed to the development of these services and worked closely with PWGSC to ensure their success during implementation.

CSE has provided expert advice on the security requirements and architecture of the Secure Channel infrastructure, enabling secure access to online services for Canadians.
To this end, CSE has conducted system and security design reviews and testing oversight for all releases of Secure Channel.

CSE's proactive contributions to Secure Channel in all its phases have been essential to the project's success.

"CSE has been instrumental in ensuring the security and privacy of Canadians through their work of the Secure Channel Project. CSE provided expertise throughout the design, development, testing and deployment of the Secure Channel infrastructure, which provides the essential network and operations services for Government On-Line. "

Imran Mirza
Director, Program Management and Common Infrastructure
Information Technology Services Branch
Public Works and Government
Services Canada

For more information on the Communications Security Establishment, visit their web site at: http://www.cse-cst.gc.ca

For further information on the Information Technology Security program (ITS), go to: http://www.cse-cst.gc.ca/en/services/industrial_services/its_standards_program.html

For more information contact the National Defence On-Line Program Manager