China-sponsored threat actors have infiltrated at least 20 networks associated with federal government: CSE.

By Catharine Tunney | CBC News

Summary

A new report from Canada’s cyber spy agency, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), reveals that Chinese government-backed threat actors have compromised Canadian government networks over the past five years, stealing valuable information. The report, which assesses national cyber threats up to the 2025-2026 fiscal year, identifies the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the most significant cyber security threat to Canada. It states that PRC cyber threat actors have breached and maintained access to multiple government networks, collecting communications and other sensitive data. At least 20 networks associated with Canadian government agencies and departments have been compromised.

The report indicates that China targets government networks and public officials to gain advantages in bilateral relations and commercial matters. The information collected is also believed to support the PRC’s influence and interference activities against Canada’s democratic processes and institutions.

The report highlights China’s use of technology platforms for transnational repression, noting that the PRC government likely leverages Chinese-owned platforms, some of which may cooperate with its intelligence and security services.

In addition to China, the report names Russia, Iran, North Korea, and India as cyber adversaries. Russian cyber threat actors are targeting the Canadian government, military, private sector, and critical infrastructure networks. The report notes that as relations between Canada and India deteriorate, India may direct its growing cyber espionage program against Canadian networks. The already strained relationship between the two countries worsened recently after Canada accused India of orchestrating violence on Canadian soil, including murders and extortion.

Read the full-text of this article at the publisher’s website here.