OTTAWA, ON – October 4th, 2011 – The president of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), Tim Page, applauded the Government of Canada’s latest cyber-security awareness campaign which highlights the importance of Canadians working together to protect our national security, economic prosperity, and quality of life from cyber-attacks.

“Canadians from all walks of life depend on cyberspace for their work, and digital technology has become more and more important to our personal lives. Although all levels of governments play an integral role in defending us from online threats in the digital age, Canadian individuals and businesses can make a common front to help protect our country from those intent on using cyberspace for their malicious or criminal activities”, remarked Page. “Some of the 90,000 employees who work in Canada’s defence and security industries are doing their part to safeguard Canadians against cyber security threats with made-in-Canada innovations and ideas which are being used by security organizations and businesses.”

Now in its seventh year, Cyber Security Awareness Month has successfully drawn international awareness to the escalating risk of criminal activity to our Internet-based society. The creation of the Get Cyber Safe campaign by the Government of Canada is an important step in recognizing and working towards a safer digital world. In Canada alone, the annual cost of identity theft has been estimated at nearly $1.9 billion, affecting a growing number of Canadians each year.

The president of CADSI also noted that his Association is committed to contributing to the enhancement of cyber-security knowledge and solutions in Canada by creating SecureTech, a two-day public safety and security conference and tradeshow. This event provides an opportunity for public policy makers, industry and end-users involved in the national security and public safety sectors to meet, discuss and address the global challenges and local responses to current and emerging security and public safety threats.

SecureTech 2011 will be held at the Ottawa Convention Centre on October 25th & 26th, 2011. The conference will also touch on other security issues such as critical infrastructure, disaster management and emergency planning, identity and access management, air transport and maritime security. The full conference program can be seen at www.securetechcanada.ca for those interested in attending. Keynote meal speakers include Public Safety Minister Toews, Transport Minister Lebel, Assistant Secretary Smith from the US Department of Homeland Security and UK Deputy High Commissioner to Canada Robertson.

About CADSI:
CADSI is a national, not-for-profit, business association that represents the collective interests of its members. It represents 860 member companies that employ 90,000 knowledge-based workers and that generate $10 billion a year in direct military sales to the Canadian and foreign governments.

To arrange an interview with the president of CADSI or to find out more about SecureTech 2011, please contact: Tim Page at 613 235-5337 x 24 or [email protected].