CSEC and the Policy on Government Security

The Policy on Government Security (PGS) helps to protect the Government of Canada's personnel and assets, both of which are essential to delivering its services. Although the PGS predates the National Security Policy, its objectives are consistent and complementary. The PGS outlines vital safeguards for reducing risks of injury from various threats.

As the Government of Canada's cryptologic authority and lead technical agency on IT security, the PGS assigns responsibility to CSEC for the following:

• Developing technical documentation and operational standards, as they relate to Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Communications Security (COMSEC), and IT Security (ITS).
• Providing advice and assistance to departments on security engineering, operational standards and technical documentation developed by CSEC.
• Developing and providing specialized COMSEC and ITS training.
• Testing, inspecting and evaluating IT products and systems to identify risks, vulnerabilities and appropriate mitigation measures.
• Assessing and reporting on the application of COMSEC and ITS technical safeguards.
• Managing the distribution of SIGINT, cryptographic equipment, accountable publications and key material.
• Representing the Government of Canada on national and international SIGINT and ITS committees and negotiate agreements with allied agencies.