THE Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre), the country’s technical authority on cyber security, assesses that “Indian state-sponsored cyber threat actors likely conduct cyber threat activity against Government of Canada networks for the purpose of espionage.”
The Cyber Centre that is part of the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) adds: “We judge that official bilateral relations between Canada and India will very likely drive Indian state-sponsored cyber threat activity against Canada.”
The Cyber Centre states in its “National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026”: “India’s leadership almost certainly aspires to build a modernized cyber program with domestic cyber capabilities. India very likely uses its cyber program to advance its national security imperatives, including espionage, counterterrorism, and the country’s efforts to promote its global status and counter narratives against India and the Indian government. We assess that India’s cyber program likely leverages commercial cyber vendors to enhance its operations.”
The Cyber Centre is the single unified source of expert advice, guidance, services, and support on cyber security for Canadians and Canadian organizations.
It works in close collaboration with Government of Canada departments, critical infrastructure, Canadian businesses, and international partners to prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from cyber events.
The threat assessment report discusses the cyber threats to Canada from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Russian Federation (Russia), the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and the Republic of India (India).
The report states: “Cyber threat actors present a persistent threat to Canada’s economic prosperity and national security. As a wealthy country, Canada will remain a valuable target for financially motivated cybercriminals that are supported by a highly adaptable and resilient cybercrime ecosystem. Meanwhile, the threat to Canada from state-sponsored cyber threat activity will be influenced by geopolitical events beyond our borders, the status of Canada’s foreign relations, and an international environment defined by economic and technological rivalry. The threats in cyberspace will increasingly reflect a global system where an array of actors are forging networks of varying strength and convenience in pursuit of their own self-interests.”
It adds: “Despite our cyber vulnerabilities and the evolving cyber-threat environment, the intensity and impact of cyber threats to Canada can be mitigated through awareness and best practices in cyber security by both individuals and organizations.”
