Cutting edge preparation for a cyber attack

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the University of Ottawa’s Cyber Range to learn more about the important work being done to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in our city.

Located within the University of Ottawa’s Cyber Hub, the uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range provides an immersive environment where students, businesses and public-sector organizations can practice responding to realistic cyberattacks.

Developed in partnership with IBM’s international X-Force Cyber Range team, the facility also supports public education, multidisciplinary research and collaboration on how to prevent, contain and recover from cybersecurity threats. Through immersive exercises and collaboration with industry leaders, the Cyber Range helps strengthen Ontario’s ability to anticipate, manage and recover from potential future cyber attacks.

Thank you to Guy-Vincent Jourdan, co-director of the Cyber Range and a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering, for the informative tour and for showcasing the University of Ottawa’s outstanding leadership in cybersecurity education, research and training.

Kids Online Safety and Privacy Month

Touring the Cyber Range was particularly meaningful given the recent passage of my private member’s bill declaring October as Kids’ Online Safety and Privacy Month in Ontario. As technology becomes an increasingly important part of children’s lives, we need to ensure that young people, parents and educators understand the risks that exist online, and that they have the tools to respond. The work being done at the Cyber Range, through education, research and realistic cybersecurity training, reinforces the importance of building greater awareness and resilience at every level, including in our homes and schools.

Building a more resilient Ontario means investing in the people and innovation that drive our economy and protect our communities. By bringing together government, academic institutions and industry leaders, we can create opportunities, strengthen our workforce and truly safeguard the infrastructure Ontarians rely on every day.

This is a small reminder that some of the most important work happening to protect and strengthen Ontario is being done right here in Ottawa.