ICSPA to study impact of cyber crime in Canada

The study has been endorsed by Public Safety Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

“The ICSPA is pleased to lead this study, which will be the first in a series of national cyber crime studies that we will undertake around the world in order to establish the national and international impact of cyber crime on business communities,” said John Lyons, ICSPA’s chief executive, in a press release. “We encourage every sector of business life in Canada to take part in this study. Engaging with businesses is a key step in developing a comprehensive approach to securing systems and mitigating the threat of cyber attacks and intrusions.”  

“We recognise that in conducting this work, we will be touching on very sensitive issues and challenges for business,” said Ken Taylor, ICSPA North American president. “That is why we have engaged Pollara to approach business leaders, particularly those who have a responsibility for securing company and customer data, for a confidential discussion about how industry in Canada is affected by cyber crime. The identity of companies and contributors to the study will not be revealed at any time.  Using this methodology, we expect to gain a very accurate account of the impact of cyber crime while protecting the sensitivities of those contributing to this vital work.”

According to the organizers, the study will provide key data of cyber attacks against businesses in the financial services, utilities, oil and petrochemicals, transportation, pharmaceuticals and online retail sectors. The identities of companies and respondents participating in the study will not be disclosed.   

The study will commence this month; results will be announced in Spring 2013.