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
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