Vanguard Magazine

34 APRIL/MAY 2022 www.vanguardcanada.com CYBER-WAR preparing for an increase in cyber-threats and warning Canadians to be vigilant in their online activities. How to be Strong, Secure and Engaged in Cyberspace In 2017, the Department of National De- fence (DND) released its Strong, Secure and Engaged defence policy, which envi- sions Canada's armed forces as agile, able to adapt to a rapidly changing world and to make significant contributions both at home and abroad. In order to achieve this outcome, DND must guarantee that this policy includes cyber-space. To be strong, Canada must reaffirm its commitments to security alliances includ- ing NATO and NORAD. To maintain a peaceful international system, staying se- cure means upholding its relationships and contributing its fair share. NATO recogniz- es cyber-space as a domain it must be able to defend as effectively as land, air or space, and is committed to cyber-space being peaceful and secure; Canada also believes that a peaceful and secure cyber-sphere is necessary to its security, economy and democratic values, and that collaborating with allies is necessary to achieve this. In order to realize its vision of security and re- silience, innovation and leadership and col- laboration in the National Cyber Security Strategy, contributing to NATO's efforts, especially the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, is imperative. If Can- ada seeks to support NORAD moderniza- tion, particularly in detecting and deterring threats in all domains, including cyber, and promoting research, development and in- novation, it will require significant invest- ment and commitment. To be secure, strong emphasis on digi- tal literacy in schools and workplaces, and free independent journalism can help fos- ter trust, establish reliable channels of in- formation and spread awareness. Canada should use its advanced position in cyber- security and artificial intelligence to rein- force defensive strategies and detection abilities for sophisticated disinformation techniques. Finally, our digital infrastruc- ture and communications are dependent on technology such as satellites in space, which is a dangerously contested and crowded environment with virtually no norms and outdated international law. Canada has historically been an important contributor to space technologies and was the third country in the world with its own satellite in space. 6 Space has been identi- fied as a strategic asset that is essential for security and sovereignty; 7 Canada needs to work with its allies to establish better governance in space, building off the ex- tensive work done to write a Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space (MILAMOS), led by McGill University, and the Woomera Manual, a similar project spearheaded by universities in Australia. To be engaged, Canada recognizes the influence of non-state actors and civil soci- ety's influence on international affairs. As non-state groups and civilians increasingly interact online in the context of conflict, the potential targeting of non-state groups and other actors is increasingly likely. This is also true of the private sector. It is im- portant that Canada ensure organizations that it works with are well-equipped and knowledgeable about the cyber-risks they face and how to mitigate them. Govern- ments need to move faster on regulating technology and co-ordinating with allies – the traditional legal process will not keep up with new technologies, and flexible frameworks and best practices must op- erate alongside existing international and domestic law to govern digital spaces. Canada is connected with a vast range of international partners, with membership in forums and organizations for states, non- state actors and civil society alike, and is a leader in cyber, artificial intelligence and space research. Active steps must be taken to strengthen its abilities and encourage co-ordination among its allies, and Canada must be proactive in its response to these challenges. Reprinted with permission, Canadian Global Affairs Institute. References 1. Cameran Ashraf, "Defining Cyberwar: Towards a Definitional Framework," Defense & Security Analysis, 2021, 37(3): 274–294, DOI: 10.1080/14751798.2021.1959141: 274. 2. Ibid., 275. 3. Pami Aalto and Tuomas Forsberg, "The Structuration of Russia's Geo-economy under Economic Sanctions," Asia Europe Journal, 2015, 14, 2: 221-37, doi:10.1007/ s10308-015-0446-6: 226. 4. Nadiya Kostyuk and Yuri M. Zhukov, "Invisible Digital Front: Can Cyber Attacks Shape Battlefield Events?" Journal of Conflict Resolution, November 10, 2017, 63(2): 317–347, https://doi. rg/10.1177%2F0022002717737138: 319–320. 5. Ibid., 321. 6. Government of Canada, "A New Space Strategy for Canada," Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, https://asc-csa.gc.ca/pdf/eng/ publications/space-strategy-for- canada.pdf, 5. 7. Ibid., 9. Abby MacDonald received her Master's in International Affairs, where she specialized in security and defence policy, in 2021. Before that, she earned her B.A. in International Relations from Western University in 2019. Her research interests include cybersecurity policy, the impact of technology on conflict, artificial intelligence, and conflict economics. The Canadian Global Affairs Institute focuses on the entire range of Canada's international relations in all its forms including (in partnership with the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy), trade investment and international capacity building. Successor to the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute (CDFAI, which was established in 2001), the Institute works to inform Canadians about the importance of having a respected and influential voice in those parts of the globe where Canada has significant interests due to trade and investment, origins of Canada's population, geographic security (and especially security of North America in conjunction with the United States), social development, or the peace and freedom of allied nations. If Canada seeks to support NORAD modernization, particularly in detecting and deterring threats in all domains, including cyber, and promoting research, development and innovation, it will require significant investment and commitment.

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