Federal Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan announced an $818,000 investment February 27 to support the CIO Strategy Council in producing a series of cyber security standards for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices in the North American electricity sector. IIoT consists of Internet-connected machinery, infrastructure and advanced smart devices that collect, exchange and analyze data to enhance manufacturing, industrial processes and operational efficiencies.
London Free Press reported the same day that, in an interview, Council executive director Keith Jansa said the money will help a three-year effort that will include holding a set of cross-country meetings with industry, government, academics and interest groups to create the standards, tools to be able to test devices against the standards, and the development of a product repository of IoT safe devices companies can consult before making purchases.
Government of Canada funding is provided through Natural Resources Canada's Cyber Security and Critical Energy Infrastructure Program (CCEIP). In support of Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, the program received $2.42 million through Budget 2018 to enhance the cyber security and resilience of domestic and cross-border energy infrastructure.
The CIO Strategy Council is a not-for-profit organization that provides a forum for Canada's chief information officers to focus on collectively transforming, shaping and influencing the Canadian information and technology ecosystem.