Canada has established a new military command to improve its combat readiness in cyberspace.
The new Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command, or CAFCYBERCOM, will be led by Maj. Gen. Dave Yarker. It will be the sole entity authorized for cyber force sustainment, management and development and enable Canada to contribute to its international commitments, including NATO’s Virtual Cyber Incident Support Capability and the Sovereign Cyber Effects Provided Voluntarily by Allies.
Canadian Minister of National Defence Bill Blair highlighted how the introduction of CAFCYBERCOM shows the nation’s commitment to protecting the cyber domain.
“By enhancing our work in the cyber domain and by continuing to collaborate with our partners and allies, we can detect, deter and defend against cyber threats and malicious actors targeting Canada and our interests,” he said.
Canada has been working to build its cyber capabilities. In September, it joined several cybersecurity-focused efforts, including participating in the U.S. Cyber Command-led Cyber Flag training exercises and entering cooperation with the United Kingdom and the United States to advance the development of tools and techniques that would help establish more resilient and secure systems.