The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are forming a new unit to combat cyber attacks, according to what the Department of Defense announced Thursday.
The Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCOM) will bring together the CAF’s diverse cyber capabilities under a single “single, unified and dedicated entity,” National Defense Minister Bill Blair announced at a press conference in Ottawa. , THURSDAY.
The COMCYBERFAC “reflects the essential role of cyber in modern operations and demonstrates Canada’s commitment to operating in the cyber domain,” the department explained in a press release released today.
The objective of this unit will be to develop and increase the capabilities of the FAC in terms of both “defensive” and “offensive” cyber operations. COMCYBERFAC will work closely with the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE).
“The new Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command demonstrates to our allies, partners and adversaries Canada’s continued commitment to operating in a challenging cyber domain,” commented Minister Blair. “By strengthening our resilience, defense and response skills in the cyber domain and working closely with our partners and allies, we can detect, unearth and defend against cyber threats and cyberspace actors targeting Canada and our interests.”
The unit will be placed under the leadership of Major General Dave Yarker, who will take care of cyber operations as well as management of the “cyberforce”.
“Since 2010, Maj. Gen. Yarker has held key staff and liaison positions with allies and partner agencies, as well as unit and formation level command positions,” it said. -on in the press release. “Major General Yarker has been named commander of the Joint Force Cyber Component in 2022.”
The appointment of Major General Yarker was also congratulated by the Deputy Minister of National Defense, Stéphanie Beck.
“He brings considerable knowledge, experience and leadership proven throughout his military career to the benefit of COMCYBERFAC, the Defense Team and all Canadians,” said Ms.me Beck via press release.
The major general, for his part, assured that he will act with “rapidity, confidence, agility and unity of action” to allow Canada to develop “a decisive advantage in the cyber domain”.
