Purse & Mathieson: Canadian cities are only one cyberattack away from catastrophe
The following first appeared in the Ottawa Citizen on January 20, 2025. It’s not about if but when a cyberattack will occur. Provincial and federal governments must create a strong municipal cybersecurity action plan to protect critical infrastructure. Cyberattacks against Canadian municipalities are increasing and directly affecting the lives of millions of Canadians. While federal […]
From logic to cybersecurity: the philosophy of asking the right questions
Jordan Shaw-Young is Chief of Staff, Security Solutions at BlueVoyant. BlueVoyant is an analytics-driven cybersecurity company whose mission is to defend businesses around the world against agile and well-financed cyber attackers by providing unparalleled visibility, insight and responsiveness. At the Catalyst, Jordan is a Fellow, and his research and publications focus on cybersecurity economic decision […]
Stay ahead of cyber threats: top tips from the experts
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we checked in with Senior Cybersecurity Experts at the Catalyst, Lester Chng and Randy Purse, to find out what practices and actions you can take to stay cyber-safe. Read on to get the most out of their three main takeaways. What is Phishing/Vishing/Smishing? Often used in social engineering, these tactics utilize […]
ACE: from a social post to a changed reality
For Joseph Martinos, graduate of the Catalyst ACE program, cybersecurity isn’t just a career,it’s a lifelong passion. Driven by the belief that cybersecurity is crucial for protecting both systems and society, Joseph joined the Catalyst’s ACE training program with an insatiable appetite for learning and a desire to push his boundaries. After discovering the program […]
Doing the work: equality, education, and diversity in cybersecurity
Sem Ponnambalam is the President and Co-founder of Xahive, an organization with over 160 years of combined experience. She serves as a Board Member for MAPLE Business Council. She has been a Panelist at WEF, a G20 YES Panelist, and an Online Cybersecurity Governance Advisor for both private and public sectors and a Post-Secondary Cyber Governance […]
Sticky floors & glass ceilings: finding her place in tech
Jasbir Kooner is the Director of IT, Business Relationship Management and Cybersecurity at Englober. She is pursuing her PhD in science and information technology at Université du Québec en Outaouais and previously completed her MBA at Concordia University. Jasbir is a Fellow at the Catalyst. By the time I talk to Jasbir, her morning is […]
AI may be a powerful tool, but it’s no substitute for cyber experts
The following first appeared in The Toronto Star on September 14, 2024. This is the year for artificial intelligence (AI) integration — it’s now embedded in nearly everything we do. AI systems increasingly control our environment through IoT devices and beyond. IoT devices connect our physical environments to the digital world, and more than 15 […]
What Scarlett Johansson can teach us about taking on AI
Social media platforms facilitate the spread of fake content online. The proposed Online Harms Act lays out new responsibilities for these platforms to mitigate the spread of illegal content from hate speech to incitement of violence or terrorism, to intimate image abuse, child cyberbullying and inducing self-harm.
Elevating Women in Leadership: An Allyship Guide for Men
True allyship is not passive support. It involves actively promoting and amplifying the voices and ideas of women and intentionally supporting their career growth and development. This can include mentorship and sponsorship, but it’s also about purposefully creating opportunities for women to have the spotlight to showcase their skills and expertise.
Five Questions with Bami, CLIC Program Manager
What is the CLIC program, and who is it designed for? Bami: CLIC (Certifications for Leadership in Cybersecurity) is a comprehensive training program that equips individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in cybersecurity. It’s designed for anyone interested in cybersecurity or those looking to enhance their career with specialized skills. What makes the CLIC […]
