Action Plan 2010 -2015 for Canada’s Cyber Securit y Strategy Pillar 2 Partnering to secure vital cyber systems outside the federal Government Canada’s security and economic prosperity depend on the smooth functioning of systems outside the Government. Canada’s private sector operates many of the systems, and is the custodian of sensitive information and industrial control systems, on which Canada’s national security and public safety depend. In addition, the ongoing success of Canada’s private sector relies in large measure on its ability to commercialize innovative research and intellectual property, business transactions, and financial data. Failing to secure this vital digital information, and the systems that hold it, inevitably leads to lost market share, fewer customers and corporate breakdown for the companies involved. On a national scale, the theft of trade secrets, intellectual property and confidential corporate information can result in lost jobs and diminished economic prosperity for Canada and Canadians. Many of the risks and impacts of cyber incidents are shared between governments and the private sector. Fortunately, Canada’s public and private sectors share a long history of working together to achieve shared economic and national security objectives. This cooperation needs to be further strengthened. Strengthened partnerships among all levels of Government are also essential in order to deliver a comprehensive cyber security strategy for Canada and Canadians. Our provincial and territorial counterparts provide a range of essential services whose delivery is dependent on the safe and secure operation of their cyber systems. The disruption of critical infrastructure and cyber systems can have direct impacts on businesses and communities around the world. Incidents on interconnected cyber networks can have cascading effects across industrial sectors and national borders. At the same time, Canada needs to be active in international fora dealing with critical infrastructure protection and cyber security. 7