WATCH: PowerSchool breach leaves student data exposed — Catalyst’s Charles Finlay weighs in
On Wednesday, May 7, the Toronto District School Board notified parents that their children’s personal information — stolen in the PowerSchool data breach last December — was never deleted, even though a ransom was paid to hackers. Millions of student records remain exposed, and cybersecurity experts are warning families and school officials to stay alert. […]
LISTEN: Dan Mathieson discusses rising municipal cyberattacks on CBC’s Ontario Morning with Nav Nanwa
Ransomware and other cyber threats are increasingly targeting cities and towns across Canada, threatening everything from emergency services to local infrastructure. Smaller municipalities, often with limited resources, face the greatest risk of disruption and financial loss. Dan Mathieson, former mayor of Stratford and now Special Advisor for Cybersecurity and Municipal Engagement at Toronto Metropolitan University, […]
Stronger Together: How Public and Private Sectors Can Protect Digital Lives and Empower Individuals webinar
In case you missed our Stronger Together: How Public and Private Sectors Can Protect Digital Lives and Empower Individuals webinar, we explored what it takes to stay safe online. Experts, Jesslyn Dymond, Director of Data Ethics at TELUS, Merlin Chatwin, Executive Director of Open North, and Lina Dabit, RCMP Officer in Charge Inspector – Cybercrime Investigative […]
WATCH: Catalyst experts on defending municipalities from cyber threats
Municipalities of all sizes are facing growing cyber threats — and everyone has a role to play in staying secure. In this video, Catalyst experts Anita Schretlen, Manager, Training Programs and Partnerships and Randy Purse, Senior Advisor Cybersecurity and Training, share how our tailored training can help municipal teams prepare, prevent, and respond. Explore Cyber […]
WATCH: Catalyst Fellowship Program virtual panel on cyber regulations in Canada
In case you missed our Catalyst Fellowship Program Virtual Panel: Cybersecurity Threats in Canada, we explored the Canadian cybersecurity regulatory landscape surrounding IoT, GenAI, Blockchain, and other technologies with our expert panel: Vanessa Henri, Henri & Wolf Law Firm; Colin MacSween, Director General, National Cyber Security Directorate, Public Safety Canada; and Marc Watters, Policy Advisor […]
LISTEN: Catalyst’s Charles Finlay discusses cybersecurity risks in the Liberal leadership race
Catalyst Founding Executive Director, Charles Finlay, joined the hosts of CH880 Edmonton and QR Calgary 770 AM to unpack the upcoming election. Catalyst’s Finlay highlighted that the Liberal leadership race, with its tight timeline, volunteer-driven campaigns, and sensitive voter data, is highly vulnerable to cyber threats. The political race presents a fragile scenario with increased […]
LISTEN: Randy Purse discusses the risk cyber threats pose to municipalities
Senior Advisor Cybersecurity Training and Education at Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, Randy Purse, joined Kristy Cameron on Ottawa Now, 580 CFRA, to discuss the risks of cybersecurity attacks in municipalities. Purse warns that the surge in cyberattacks in Canadian municipalities threatens critical infrastructure and public safety. Without urgent federal and provincial investment in a comprehensive municipal […]
LISTEN: Catalyst’s Charles Finlay discusses Toronto school board cyberattack
Catalyst Founding Executive Director, Charles Finlay, joined Ramraajh Sharvendiran on CBC’s Metro Morning to discuss a PowerSchool cyberattack affecting Canadian school boards and raising concerns about student data security. Catalyst’s Charles Finlay discussed the impact on Ontario schools, the risks to student data, and the need for clear communication and stronger security measures to prevent […]
WATCH: First annual Catalyst Summit recap
On November 13, cyber enthusiasts packed a room in Brampton, Ontario, to tackle one of the most pressing topics of our time: the role of cyber in protecting democracy. The Catalyst Summit: Democracy Edition brought our community together for powerful conversations, inspiring speakers, and collaborative problem-solving. From defeating ransomware to empowering vulnerable organizations and driving […]
WATCH: Catalyst at Elevate Festival 2024 recap
We were lucky enough to return to Elevate Festival 2024 and once again program and host the Secure and Protect Stage, to deepen Canadian knowledge of cybersecurity issues. Moderated by Rushmi Hasham, Judith Borts, and Charles Finlay, panelists exchanged passionate ideas about the influence of cyber over democracy and AI.
