Canadian Securities Regulators Publish Update on Cyber Security for Market Participants

Montreal – The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) today published CSA Staff Notice 11-332 Cyber Security to promote cyber-security awareness, preparedness and resilience in Canadian capital markets.

The cyber-security landscape has evolved considerably in recent years, as cyber attacks have become more frequent, complex and costly for organizations. As a result, the CSA is working to promote cyber-security awareness, preparedness and resilience, including examining how to improve collaboration and communication with market participants on these issues.

“We have identified cyber security as a priority in the CSA 2016-2019 Business Plan,” said Louis Morisset, Chair of the CSA and President and CEO of the Autorité des marchés financiers. “It is crucial for us to improve collaboration and communication on cyber-security issues with market participants. We want to ensure they are aware of the challenges, have a sufficient level of preparedness, and are as resilient as possible against cyber risks.”

CSA members intend to re-examine the disclosure of some of the larger issuers in the coming months. CSA findings and recommendations stemming from those reviews are anticipated to be published subsequently.

The CSA also intends to hold roundtable sessions with market participants in the coming months to discuss cyber security issues and risks, and the need for coordination and information sharing.

This Notice updates Staff Notice 11-326 Cyber Security, published on September 26, 2013, which called attention to the challenges of cyber-crime and the need for market participants to take appropriate protective measures to safeguard themselves and their clients or stakeholders.

CSA Staff Notice 11-332 can be found on CSA members’ websites.

The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada’s provinces and territories, co-ordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets.

For more information:

Sylvain Théberge
Autorité des marchés financiers
514-940-2176

Kristen Rose
Ontario Securities Commission
416-593-2336

Nicole
Alberta Securities Commission
403-297-4008

Alison Walker
British Columbia Securities Commission
604-899-6713

Jason (Jay) Booth
Manitoba Securities Commission
204-945-1660

Andrew Nicholson
Financial and Consumer Services
Commission, New Brunswick
506-658-3021

Jane Anderson
Nova Scotia Securities Commission
902-424-0179

Janice Callbeck
Office of the Superintendent
of Securities
Prince Edward Island
902-368-6288

John O’Brien
Office of the Superintendent
of Securities
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-4909

Rhonda Horte
Office of the Yukon Superintendent
of Securities
867-667-5466

Jeff Mason
Nunavut Securities Office
867-975-6591

Tom Hall
Office of the Superintendent
of Securities, Northwest Territories
867-767-9305

Shannon McMillan
Financial and Consumer Affairs
Authority of Saskatchewan
306-798-4160