Mandate
The Calgary Laboratory for Information Assurance and Security (CLIAS) is a
collaborative initiative dedicated to stimulating, supporting and communicating
national information assurance and security solutions (IAS). Our goal is to
become the core of a cluster of private and public sector organizations
committed to IAS and its implementation in Canada.
CLIAS represents a high-tech business opportunity for Canada, built on
internationally renowned research and training and a growing core of partners
and collaborators. Its importance: the protection of Canadians and Canada's
competitive advantages, our way of life, and our global reputation. Its
economic impact: confidence in e-commerce, the protection of competitive
knowledge, and opportunities to create economic activity around IAS.
Our Vision
To be Canada's premiere authority on information assurance and security issues,
research and training, and to develop and promote the transfer of leading IAS
technologies for commercial development and practical implementation.
Within five years, we believe CLIAS will lead Canada in information assurance
and security research and development. By 2010, CLIAS will be recognized as the
academic hub of an IAS cluster, complemented by a core of diverse industry
players and government organizations. These stakeholders will drive IAS
development and adoption throughout Canada—disseminating knowledge,
technologies and methodology, and driving innovation. CLIAS will also connect
with Canada's other national security commitments and infrastructure to ensure
the full value of IAS is realized at home. Concurrently, CLIAS will begin
building international linkages in recognition of Canada's role in a global
context.
By 2015, CLIAS will be the catalyst of a Canadian IAS knowledge and technology
cluster, a pivotal complement to this country's economic activities and the
security of its citizens and their international interests. CLIAS will remain
committed to stimulating technology development, providing knowledge to
decision makers, and protecting our national identity, integrity and reputation.
Background
Canadians live in a world where the security and integrity of their information
and communications is not guaranteed, where the number and sophistication of
attacks on these systems are increasing rapidly, and where the impact of those
attacks can be measured in billions of dollars and in the loss of reputation
and personal integrity.
Until now, many of Canada's corporations, institutions and governmental
organizations information have not consistently or adequately addressed
information assurance and security (IAS). Add to that the growing use of home
computers, cell phones and other communications devices, and it becomes
abundantly clear that the privacy of Canadians is increasingly vulnerable and
at risk.
As a nation we have a responsibility to protect our citizens and corporations,
our economic prosperity and our quality of life. Freedom of information and
privacy legislation, policy and standards are being developed, but are only
reliable or work effectively if properly implemented. Protecting our data and
communications technologies requires innovative solutions, reliable and secure
implementations, and the integration of security consciousness at all levels of
an organization and by all users. Canadians can't rely on foreign support to
secure their information now or in the future. True national IAS solutions need
to be developed in Canada.
Organizational Structure
The Calgary Laboratory for Information Assurance and Security is being built on
the research and training strengths of the University of Calgary in Alberta,
Canada. Working in partnership with other institutions, private industry and
government stakeholders, CLIAS will provide IAS research leadership that ranges
from fundamental to applied cryptography, network security, information
assurance and quantum information.
CLIAS will work to:
Assess and test existing security systems and protocols;
Contribute to the development of IAS legislation, regulations, and
policy
ensuring relevance and practicality;
Provide training opportunities for students, professionals, and
stakeholder
organizations in anticipation of supporting their
accreditation; and,
Help ensure Canada's sovereignty over information assets, and that it
has
access to the right skills at the right time—now and in the future.
|
