LISTEN: Interview with Charles Finlay on iHeartRadio
Listen to the full interview with Catalyst Founding Executive Director, Charles Finlay, on the Moore in the Morning show (iHeartRadio) on January 4, 2024. John Moore The library started off as the target of a cyber attack, and it’s unclear as to whether there was ever any ransom pay – the library said not and I […]
Iceberg Cyber founder: “I have not come across another cyber hub like this anywhere in the world”
The following article was first published by Investment Monitor on November 17, 2023. Cyber entrepreneurs Michael Bakaic and Erinn van Wynsberghe have a few things in common, although they may not realise it. Both studied engineering. Both wanted to create new technology that would have a big impact for good on the world – and […]
Ransomware attack behind Toronto Public Library service interruption, library says
The following article was first published by CBC News on November 7, 2023. Charles Finlay, executive Director of the Roger CyberSecure catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University, says ransomware attacks often involve leveraging illegally collected sensitive information for money. A recent attack on five Ontario hospitals has led to health information being published publicly on the […]
Public institutions, critical infrastructure cyberattacks a growing trend
The following article was written by Dave Waddell and was first published in the Windsor Star on November 6, 2023. The cyberattack against five southwestern Ontario hospitals in Windsor-Essex, Sarnia and Chatham-Kent this past week is just part of a growing number of such attacks on public institutions and critical infrastructure, says Trish Dyl, the […]
Why is there such a massive cybersecurity talent gap in Canada?
The following article first appeared in DX Journal on October 18, 2023. This is a story about the acute talent gap in Canada’s cybersecurity industry, which threatens the productivity of Canadian companies, and could soon create major national security issues. But it starts with a lesson from the world of football. Rushmi Hasham, Director of […]
Regulate artificial intelligence — before it’s too late
The following op-ed was written by Dr. Jeff Schwartzentruber, an industry fellow with the Catalyst Fellowship Program, and was first published in the National Post on July 7, 2023. We’re spanning the gap from weak to strong AI — and we’re outpacing ourselves. The Collision tech conference that took place in Toronto last week […]
Catalyst Fellowship Program: A collaborative approach to improving cybersecurity
The following feature article was written for Innovation Issue 38: Summer 2023, a publication by Toronto Metropolitan University’s Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation. From remote work, to app-controlled appliances, to online shopping reviews, modern life has never been more connected. But this increased reliance on the internet comes with a related increase […]
CLIC is designed to help women succeed in cyber
With women holding only about 25% of cybersecurity roles worldwide, it’s clear there is significant work to do to close the gender gap in cybersecurity. Here at the Catalyst, we are committed to diversifying the cyber talent pipeline. We know that women hoping to start careers in cyber face real barriers. Our CLIC program is […]
The Internet of Things exposes us all to the biggest cyber threats
The following op-ed was written by Dr.-Ing Monika Freunek, a research fellow with the Catalyst Fellowship Program, and was first published in the Toronto Star on March 20, 2023. As the U.S. government grows increasingly concerned about Americans’ data on TikTok, President Joe Biden officially announced his intention to ban the Chinese-owned app unless a […]
WATCH: The Hunt for Hack-Tastic Talent: Analyzing the Cyber Talent Shortage
On Monday, March 13, a panel of experts convened by the Catalyst Fellowship Program came together to discuss the critical shortage of cybersecurity talent and its ramifications for organizations. Hosted by the fellows, the event aimed to explore the current state of the cyber talent gap and practical solutions that companies can implement to address […]