Safeguarding Your Research

In September 2020, the Government of Canada released a statement about research security and COVID-19. The illicit and unauthorized acquisition of your research and innovations can result in the loss of your research and can negatively affect your:

•         publication opportunities
•         ability to publish results
•         ability to realize economic, professional, or financial gains

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service have issued warnings. The government asks Canadian research organizations involved in COVID-19 research to be vigilant and alert to potential threats directed to their people and their work. By safeguarding critical pandemic-related research and innovation, you protect:

•         national security
•         the integrity of Canada’s research ecosystem
•         long-term economic competitiveness and prosperity

It is important to be aware of potential risks and to take extra precautions to protect the security of research, intellectual property, and knowledge development. With that in mind, the Government of Canada and researchers worked together to develop the Safeguarding Your Research portal. The portal identifies and shares best practices to:

•         minimize cyber security risks
•         protect intellectual property
•         make sure that Canadians benefit from significant investments in science and research

The portal will continue to expand as guidance evolves.

Training on insider and outsider threats is available through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity training portal.

For more information, we encourage you to explore other resources including:

•         Safeguarding Science
•         Building Security Awareness in the Academic Community