It relates to data processing, data transfer, or information stored in systems. The aim of such activities is often to weaken the cohesion of international groups or institutions and thereby to restrict their ability to act."Ĭyber is a prefix used to describe new things that are now possible as a result of the spread of computers, systems, and devices, that are interconnected. Both can be achieved through the selective publication of information. It can furthermore be observed that information is increasingly being procured with the aim of influencing (in so-called influence operations) or damaging the actions of rivals. For example, states strive, using information obtained by their intelligence services, to gain a fuller picture of the situation in order to improve the effectiveness of their actions. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) defines economic espionage as "the act of knowingly targeting or acquiring trade secrets to benefit any foreign government, foreign instrumentality, or foreign agent."Īccording to the 2019 Situation Report of the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS): "Espionage is driven by a variety of different motives and has more than one aim. Espionage is “the practice of spying or using spies, to obtain information about the plans and activities especially of a foreign government or a competing company.” The Merriam-Webster's Dictionary has a slightly different opinion. The Oxford’s English Dictionary defines espionage as “the practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments, to obtain political and military information.” information available through conventional means.Īccording to the Central Intelligence Agency, “reduced to its simplest terms, intelligence is knowledge and foreknowledge of the world around us-the prelude to decision and action by US policymakers.”Įspionage is a set of intelligence gathering methods. information about “things foreign” that is collected by clandestine means, These threats exist at all levels of government, including federal, provincial, and municipal.Intelligence is the collection of information that have military, political, or economic value.Īccording to the Aspin–Brown Commission (that was chartered by US Congress in October 1994 to conduct a comprehensive review of American intelligence), “it is preferable to define intelligence simply and broadly as information about “things foreign”- people, places, things, and events - needed by the government for the conduct of its functions.” This can include election interference, spreading disinformation on social media, and the cultivation of influential people. In many cases, clandestine influence operations are meant to support foreign political agendas or to deceptively influence Government of Canada policies, officials or democratic processes. As any country with a large multicultural population, Canadian communities are subject to clandestine and deceptive manipulation by certain foreign powers. The CSIS Act describes Foreign-Influenced Activities, commonly known as Foreign Interference, as “activities within or relating to Canada that are detrimental to the interests of Canada and are clandestine or deceptive, or involve a threat to any person.” Foreign Interference involves foreign countries or entities attempting to covertly influence change in Canada, to better suit their strategic interests. Sectors of the Canadian economy that continue to be of particular interest to hostile intelligence services include: aerospace, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemicals, communications, healthcare, information technology, mining and metallurgy, nuclear energy, oil and gas, as well as the environment.Īcts of foreign espionage represent a long-term threat to Canada’s economy and our collective prosperity. While many people associate espionage with the collection of ‘top secret’ information, state actors are interested in a range of information, including privileged and sensitive information, as well as intellectually protected information, like patents.Ĭanada’s advanced industrial and technological capabilities, combined with expertise in certain sectors, make it an attractive target for foreign intelligence services. EspionageĬertain hostile states attempt to gather Canadian political, economic, and military information through clandestine means, both in Canada and abroad, in order to advance their states’ own strategic interests. Espionage and foreign interference pose a significant threat to our economic prosperity and national interests.Īcts of espionage and foreign interference can put Canada at a disadvantage, enabling foreign countries and organizations to further their own strategic interests, at Canada’s expense.ĬSIS works to identify these threats, takes measures to reduce them and advises government. CSIS investigates and advises the government on threats to national security.
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