Government of Canada announces funding for Cyber Attribution Data Centre at UNB to advance national cybersecurity

On Friday, Dec. 13, the Government of Canada announced they will fund the establishment of a new Cyber Attribution Data Centre (CADC) at the Canadian Institute of Cybersecurity (CIC) at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) up to a total of $10 million over five years.

Malicious cyber activity continues to pose some of the most serious threats to Canada's national security and economic prosperity. The new centre is designed to address a critical cybersecurity gap and advance research, education and community engagement in this specialized field.

The CADC will employ the latest cyber attribution intelligence analytics with the ultimate goal of identifying malicious cyber actors. It will also develop comprehensive programs to train and equip the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) cyber attribution specialists.

A key aim will be establishing AI-powered data services to report findings and intelligence to vital government stakeholders. This will be accomplished by establishing a robust data centre capable of capturing, storing and analyzing (through the use of cyber attribution intelligence analytics) data and producing actionable reports for member partners.

Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, visited UNB on Friday to announce the funding.

UNB's president and vice chancellor, Dr. Paul Mazerolle, and Frank McKenna, founder of UNB's McKenna Institute, were also in attendance. They expressed enthusiasm for the centre as a hub for thought leadership, advancing cyber protection and contributing to the training of a new generation of cyber attribution specialists.

"Today marks a pivotal moment in Canada's leadership in cybersecurity and data innovation. Establishing the new CADC at the CIC is a testament to our commitment to advancing cutting-edge research, fostering collaboration between industry and academia, and enhancing our national security," said Dr. Mazerolle.

"The establishment of the CADC is an exciting step forward for both our province and our country," said McKenna. "New Brunswick is already home to world-class talent and innovation, and this initiative further solidifies our role as a hub for cybersecurity research and development. This is a win for New Brunswick, for Canada, and for the future of cybersecurity."

The CIC is a comprehensive multidisciplinary training, research and development, and entrepreneurial unit that draws on the expertise of researchers in the social sciences, business, computer science, engineering, law and science.

With support from the CIC, the new centre will have access to researchers and practitioners from various academic disciplines to share innovative ideas and conduct groundbreaking research on the most pressing cybersecurity challenges of our time.

"This Centre will strengthen the country's ability to protect critical assets and maintain public trust. It will serve as a key repository for tracking and analyzing cyberattacks while identifying their characteristics, sources and perpetrators," said Dr. Ali Ghorbani, director of the CIC.

"Cyber attribution plays a crucial role in Canada's cyber deterrence strategy. The CIC is the nation's leading center for cybersecurity research, innovation and talent development," added Dr. Ghorbani. "Establishing the AI-powered CADC at the CIC will promote innovation and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing Canada's cybersecurity capabilities."

Related material: Government of Canada announces financial support for the establishment of a Cyber Attribution Data Centre at the University of New Brunswick