COTS Security Guidance (CSG) Program Overview

The CSG program delivers IT Security advice and guidance to Government of Canada departments and agencies; it provides information on technologies and concepts.

  • COTS Security Guidance (CSG) Program Overview HTML | PDF (23.1KB)

IT Security topics are addressed in a series of documents with information appropriate for their target audience:

  • Leaflet (\L) for Executive Level Managers;
  • Summary (\S) for Departmental Security Officers; and
  • Guidance (\G) for System Administrators and Network Managers.

For Executive Level Managers

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) HTML | PDF (59.1KB)
  • Wireless Network Security HTML | PDF (57.8KB)
  • Media Encryption HTML | PDF (60.7KB)
  • Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) HTML | PDF (50.4KB)
  • Handheld Communications HTML | PDF (56.7KB)
  • Firewalls HTML | PDF (56.6KB)
  • Anti-Malware HTML | PDF (39.8KB)
  • Media Clearing and Sanitization HTML | PDF (100KB)
  • Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) HTML | PDF (34.5KB)
  • Operating System - Linux HTML | PDF (40.5KB)
  • Operating System - MacOS HTML | PDF (40KB)
  • Operating System - Windows HTML | PDF (40.2KB)
  • Multi-Function Devices HTML | PDF (46.2KB)
  • Multi-Function Cellular Phones HTML | PDF (46.6KB)
  • Laptop Computer Security HTML | PDF (45.9KB)
  • Peer-to-Peer Technologies HTML | PDF (130KB)
  • Public Zone Work Environments HTML | PDF (773KB)
  • Telework HTML | PDF (39.8KB)

For Departmental Security Officers

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (21.4KB)
  • Wireless Network Security - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (21.3KB)
  • Media Encryption - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (21.6KB)
  • Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (21.9KB)
  • Handheld Communications - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (22.1KB)
  • Firewalls - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (22.2KB)
  • Anti-Malware - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (21.6KB)
  • Media Clearing and Sanitization - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (18.3KB)
  • Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (37.7KB)
  • Operating Systems - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (154KB)
  • Multi-Function Devices - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (92KB)
  • Multi-Function Cellular Phones - Security Features Checklist HTML | PDF (58.6KB)
  • Laptop Computer Security HTML | PDF (120KB)
  • Telework HTML | PDF (58.6KB)
  • Apple® iPad™ Security and Best Practices HTML | PDF (62.9KB)
  • New RIM BlackBerry® PlayBook™ Security Guidance HTML | PDF (63KB)

For System Administrators and Network Managers

* Guidance (\G) documents for System Administrators and Network Managers can be obtained by contacting CSEC IT Security Client Services at 613-991-7654 or by e-mail at itsclientservices@cse-cst.gc.ca.

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • Wireless Network Security
  • Media Encryption
  • Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
  • Handheld Communications
  • Firewalls
  • Anti-Malware
  • Media Clearing and Sanitization
  • Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
  • Operating Systems
  • Multi-Function Devices
  • Multi-Function Cellular Phones
  • Laptop Computer Security
  • Peer-to-Peer Technologies
  • Public Zone Work Environments
  • Telework

For more information on CSG contact CSEC:

Telephone: 613-991-7654
Fax: 613-991-7902
Email: itsclientservices@cse-cst.gc.ca