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Operation: Defend the North
Strengthening Canada’s Cybersecurity Readiness
Cyber breach simulation uniting public & private sectors to defend critical infrastructure
What is Operation: Defend the North?
Operation: Defend the North (ODTN) is a national cybersecurity readiness exercise organized by siberX. It simulates coordinated cyberattacks targeting Canada's critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, finance, healthcare, government services, and telecommunications. The exercise aims to enhance the nation's ability to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats through collaborative efforts among public and private sector stakeholders.
National Initiative
First-of-its-kind tabletop cyber exercise by siberX.
Simulated Attacks
Targets Energy, Finance, Healthcare, Government, and Telecom sectors.
Strengthened Response
Aims to improve national cyber incident response and resilience.
The Cybersecurity Challenge: Rising Threats to Critical Infrastructure
Since 2020, critical sectors have seen a surge in ransomware and sabotage targeting Operational Technology (OT). Both cybercriminals and state actors exploit interconnected systems and supply chains, posing complex, multi-vector threats to Canada's critical infrastructure.
70%
Increase in Attacks
Increase in cyber attacks on critical infrastructure globally (2023 data).
Key Problems and Challenges Identified in the Exercise
During the exercise, several critical vulnerabilities were exposed, highlighting the urgent need for systemic improvements in Canada's cyber defense mechanisms.
  • Sectoral Interdependencies: Cyber incidents in one sector can cascade across others, amplifying the impact and complicating response efforts.
  • Delayed Detection and Persistence: Threats often remain undetected for extended periods, allowing adversaries to maintain a foothold within systems.
  • Crisis Communication: Effective communication is critical during cyber crises to maintain public trust and coordinate response efforts.
  • Fragmented Governance: Cybersecurity responsibilities are dispersed across various levels of government and private entities, leading to coordination challenges.
  • Recovery Complexity: Restoring systems and services after a cyberattack involves complex processes that require careful planning and execution.
  • Cyber-Physical Convergence: Cyberattacks increasingly have physical consequences, affecting infrastructure and public safety.
Sectors Involved
Energy
Finance
Healthcare
Telecom
Government
Solutions Tested & Best Practices
Operation Defend the North rigorously tested and identified several key solutions and best practices to bolster national cybersecurity.
Defense-in-Depth
Implementing multi-layered security measures to protect systems and data.
Integrated Detection Systems
Deploying advanced monitoring tools to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
Joint Crisis Playbooks
Developing coordinated response strategies involving all relevant stakeholders.
Crisis Communication Protocols
Establishing clear communication channels and strategies to manage information during a crisis.
Resilient Infrastructure
Designing systems that can withstand and quickly recover from cyber incidents.
Continuous Training
Regularly conducting exercises and simulations to prepare teams for potential cyber threats.
Cyber-Physical Integration
Aligning cybersecurity efforts with physical infrastructure protection to address the convergence of cyber and physical threats.
Lessons Learned & Recommendations
The exercise provided invaluable insights, leading to critical recommendations for fortifying Canada's cyber defenses against future threats.
Formalize National Cybersecurity Coordination
Establish a centralized body to oversee and coordinate national cybersecurity efforts.
Mandate Sectoral Participation
Ensure all critical sectors are actively involved in cybersecurity preparedness and response activities.
Enhance Detection Capabilities
Invest in advanced technologies to improve threat detection and response times.
Develop Comprehensive Crisis Communication Plans
Create and regularly update communication strategies to manage public information during cyber incidents.
Strengthen Recovery Processes
Implement standardized procedures for rapid restoration of services and systems.
Integrate Cyber and Physical Security Measures
Align cybersecurity initiatives with physical infrastructure protection strategies.
Conclusion: Coordinated Multi-Sector Cybersecurity for National Resilience
Operation: Defend the North underscores the importance of a coordinated, multi-sector approach to cybersecurity. The exercise highlights the need for continuous improvement in detection, response, and recovery capabilities.
Impact & Outcomes So Far
Operation Defend the North has already yielded significant impacts, driving tangible progress in Canada's cybersecurity landscape and fostering a more unified defense strategy.
200+
Leaders Engaged
Cybersecurity leaders and stakeholders across Canada participated in 2025 events.
90%
Readiness Confidence
Participants reported improved readiness post-exercise.
This foundational effort has enhanced awareness of cyber risks across vital sectors and strengthened national incident response frameworks, paving the way for future joint cyber defense initiatives.
References:
  • MITRE ATT&CK Framework. (2024). Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&CK). Retrieved from https://attack.mitre.org/
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