Alex Rae

Ransomware attacks are increasing in Canada, and critical infrastructure is a primary target. We're headed to CS4CA in Calagary June 11-12 to collaborate with industry leaders on how to stay ahead of evolving threats and operational risks in OT environments. What you'll learn: - How to defend against targeted OT cyberattacks - What AI means to the future of OT threat detection - How to meet regulatory requirements with confidence - Why governance and visibility are foundational to resilience ➡️Don't miss out - use code VERVE at registration for a free end-user pass: https://rok.auto/4j6r0cL #OTSecurity #IndustrialCybersecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #CS4CA

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🚀 Exciting News! Our AutoC tool has been officially accepted also to Black Hat Canada 🍁🇨🇦(SecTor) 2025 🎉 It will be available on-demand through the official Black Hat application. For those who haven’t seen it yet, AutoC is an open-source automation tool designed to extract and analyze Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) from cyber reports and blogs, making threat intelligence faster and more actionable. 👉 Check out this short demo video to see AutoC in action (attached to this post) 🔗 You can explore and download AutoC from our GitHub: https://lnkd.in/dmQtfaSg Proud to see AutoC gaining recognition across multiple conferences this year, and looking forward to sharing more with the community! #CyberSecurity #ThreatIntelligence #BlackHat #AutoC #OpenSource Bar Haim

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Canada saw 12 BILLION cyberattacks in just the first half of 2025! 😲 Fortinet’s Derek Manky shared insights with CTV News on how the "crime-as-a-service" model is fueling this surge and what it means for sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Check it out. 👉 https://ftnt.net/6042fft48

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We are still in an active cybersecurity storm period! Have a read here all the variables that are driving this increased risk.

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Advancing threat intelligence in Canada 🇨🇦 NordStellar is now distributed through ITCloud, a top Canadian cloud value-added distributor. Nord Security Business Suite x ITCloud empower MSPs with advanced threat exposure management. All Nord Security products are available through ITCloud, including NordLayer, NordPass, and NordStellar! 👉 Explore more: https://lnkd.in/dDrDnq6b

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🔐 Securing Active Directory doesn’t have to be complex. Join #vExpert Patrick Coble at VMUG Connect Toronto for a focused primer on the essential steps to stop or slow attackers in your AD environment. This condensed session delivers practical guidance, key security fundamentals, and actionable techniques you can apply immediately. 🗓 Wednesday, May 13. Walk away with real-world steps to strengthen your defenses—fast. https://bit.ly/3PjcQvP #ActiveDirectorySecurity #CyberSecurity #VMUG #IdentitySecurity VMware User Group (VMUG)

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Cloud Strategy for Growth: Why Tactical Due Diligence Matters in FY26. My peers and I have met with hundreds of Canadian SMBs over the past few quarters, as they plan for FY26, and it's clear, cloud adoption isn’t just a technology decision—it’s a board-level strategic initiative. For most organizations the question isn’t if you move to the cloud, but how you do it securely, compliantly, and cost-effectively. Today, IT leaders face a critical choice: Sovereign Cloud for Canadian data residency and compliance, or Public Cloud (Microsoft Azure) for scalability and innovation. The right decision requires tactical due diligence, not guesswork. What Due Diligence Looks Like in 2026: When evaluating cloud options, these are the questions that dominate executive discussions: ✅ Data Residency & Compliance Does your business require Canadian data sovereignty for regulatory mandates? How will you meet PIPEDA and industry-specific compliance standards? ✅ Security & Risk Management Is Zero Trust and MDR integrated into your cloud strategy? How will you protect workloads against evolving threats? ✅ Cost Predictability & ROI What’s the total cost of ownership over 3–5 years? How do you avoid unexpected billing shocks? ✅ Governance & Control Who manages access, compliance, and monitoring? How do you maintain visibility across multi-cloud environments? ✅ Integration & Performance Will your existing applications integrate seamlessly? Can the platform handle rapid growth and seasonal spikes? Why F12.net is the Ideal Partner: Cloud transformation is complex—but with F12, you gain a partner who delivers strategy, due diligence, and flawless execution: ✔ Strategic Advisory We help you navigate Sovereign vs Public Cloud decisions with board-ready roadmaps. ✔ Cybersecurity Built-In Our approach integrates MDR, Zero Trust, and compliance frameworks into every cloud deployment. ✔ Cost Predictability Fixed monthly pricing eliminates budget uncertainty while enabling scalability. ✔ Execution Excellence From hybrid cloud to AI integration, we design and implement solutions that grow with your business. Bottom Line: Your cloud strategy should be more than a migration plan—it should be a growth engine. FY26 is your opportunity to build a secure, compliant, and future-proof cloud roadmap. Ready to start your due diligence? I would be happy to share a few case studies with you and your team. Let’s talk. Contact Us - F12.net #CloudStrategy #CanadianSMBs #SovereignCloud #MicrosoftAzure #Cybersecurity #DigitalTransformation #ManagedServices #ITLeadership #FY26IT #BoardReadyIT Get in touch with F12.net, Canada's trusted IT and cyber security partner for mid-market enterprises. Discover tailored solutions that enhance security, resilience, and operational efficiency. Cont...

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We are excited to announce that Canadian Cybersecurity Network is partnering with #CS4CA Canada, the nation’s leading conference for IT & OT security leaders. Returning to Calgary for its 4th annual edition on June 2nd-3rd, the summit brings together senior IT & OT security leaders from across Canada to network and exchange first-hand insights in an intimate, collaborative setting. Boasting a content-driven agenda led by 40+ expert speakers from the likes of Air Canada, Edmonton International Airport, University Health Network, Rockpoint Gas Storage, Government of Alberta, and more, the summit will shed light on: ☑️ Navigating the Evolving Regulatory Landscape, Bill C-8 & Geopolitical Threats ☑️ Driving Boardroom Action via Engineering Insights & Risk Quantification ☑️ Ensuring Operational Continuity Through OT Cyber Resilience & Attack Prevention Strategies ☑️ Optimising IT/OT Convergence Through Unified Identity & Zero Trust Architecture ☑️ Future-Proofing Industrial Networks Against AI & Quantum Threats ☑️ Cultivating a Sustainable Security Culture That Puts Humans First   Dive into the event’s agenda at 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gCzmPmwS As a partner of the event, members of Canadian Cybersecurity Network can benefit from complimentary* passes with the code "CCN-VIP" at 🔗https://lnkd.in/ekgWATVg *T&Cs: Offer is valid for asset-owning members in critical infrastructure sectors only. You must be an end user. Cyber security vendors & consultancies do not qualify, but can save 30% with code MP-30.

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🚀 Fortinet shares a reality check on GenAI adoption, highlighting the security, governance, and operational challenges organizations must address before scaling these technologies, in this article at the Vancouver Sun. As AI reshapes the enterprise, leaders must balance innovation with visibility, control, and resilience. Read the full article: https://ftnt.net/6048htOzE

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Canada’s energy sector is seeing a sustained surge in cyber activity from DDoS to OT pre‑positioning. For utilities and pipeline operators, the conversation can’t stop at MFA and patching. Priorities I’m seeing pay off: • OT/ICS inventory + removal of unnecessary internet exposure • Logging + anomaly detection purpose‑built for OT • Network separation between IT and OT to prevent lateral movement • Tabletop exercises that include plant ops and executive comms The Cyber Centre’s guidance is solid and practical worth bookmarking if you run critical infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/gnRRE6Th #energy #OTsecurity #criticalinfrastructure #canada #cybersecurity

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Working with Fortinet has been an important part of our journey in delivering strong cybersecurity outcomes for our customers. Their technology, combined with the expertise of our team at Bell Cyber, allows us to build practical, scalable security solutions that help organizations stay ahead of evolving threats.

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If you don’t think you need to be able to tell a story in this business you’ve never dealt with a breach, a customer or a board. They all involve telling a story effectively and each one is different. Learning to present is a key part of any job but it is critical to cyber. Story telling is one of the most effective methods to get your point across and make it stick.

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Reactive security models are being pushed to their limits as cyber threats accelerate. By embedding MDR across every service tier, Canada-based MSP SysGen Solutions Group has built a security-first model delivering 24/7 monitoring, faster response, and stronger outcomes for 10,000+ users. The impact is clear: one email compromise was detected and contained in just 3 minutes - demonstrating the power of proactive detection and response. Modern MSP security isn’t about adding more tools, it’s about building the right foundation.

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🎙 Speaker Spotlight – BSides Edmonton 2025 We’re pleased to showcase Jason Maynard, Field CTO Cybersecurity at Cisco Canada. Jason is a seasoned expert in security technologies, with nearly two decades of experience in architecting, designing, and deploying solutions for complex computing environments. His deep understanding of both operational and informational technologies, coupled with his ability to integrate people and processes, allows him to deliver comprehensive security solutions tailored to organizational goals and strategic imperatives. As the Field CTO focused on Cybersecurity at Cisco Systems, Jason leverages his extensive experience across various industry verticals to address diverse risk profiles. His career journey includes roles as an end-user security practitioner, partner/integrator, and now a manufacturer, demonstrating his versatile expertise. Active in the community, Jason has shared his insights at events where he has been recognized as a distinguished speaker. He also frequently contributes to BSides conferences. Jason's commitment to professional development is reflected in his impressive portfolio of over 75 designations, including the prestigious CCIE certification. Talk Title: “Defenders Struggle as the Adversary Continues to Break Away” on Monday, September 22, 2025, 10:40 AM – 11:25AM MDT at Room PIC 232 About the Session: Its 5pm on Friday and the game begins. A breach occurs and the constant power of Kryptonite continues to plague defenders with every breach and is the core to adversarial success. Why? We have all these controls in place, and they are fully operationalized! Doing the same thing over and over is only going to provide the same result. Let's think like the Oilers and start going where the puck is going and not where it’s been. We will uncover the way defenders defeat the adversaries Kryptonite powers and turn the game into a Stanley Cup Win! Talk sponsored by Cisco More details: https://lnkd.in/gnrYceNE #BSidesEdmonton #CyberDefendersRising #Kryptonite #Adversaries #CyberBreaches

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Network visibility just got easier. With DX NetOps Active Experience, you can turn your existing SNMP data collectors into powerful AppNeta Monitoring Points—no extra hardware or agents needed. Get end-to-end observability and real-time insights to spot issues fast across data centers, cloud, and remote sites. Learn how simple it is to start active testing and close those visibility gaps today. https://lnkd.in/ghKUFDPf

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Security Alert: Cisco Zero-Day Vulnerabilities Under Active Exploitation This post is a follow-up reminder for COI members and Alberta cybersecurity professionals to take action. On September 25, Cisco released security advisories disclosing three zero-day vulnerabilities affecting ASA, FTD, IOS, IOS XE, and IOS XR products.  Two of these vulnerabilities — CVE-2025-20333 and CVE-2025-20362 — are under active exploitation by an advanced threat actor. The CCCS, UK NCSC, and US CISA have confirmed successful compromises of Cisco ASA devices, with CCCS noting the deployment of highly sophisticated malware.  Alberta cybersecurity professionals and IT teams: please review the advisories and assess your exposure. Timely action is critical.  Vulnerability details:  CVE-2025-20333 (Critical 9.9): Remote code execution (RCE) with root privileges via crafted HTTP requests and valid VPN credentials.  CVE-2025-20362 (Medium 6.5): Authentication bypass allowing access to restricted URLs.  CVE-2025-20363 (Critical 9.0): RCE with low privileges across ASA, FTD, IOS, IOS XE, and IOS XR.  No publicly available proof-of-concept exploit code has been observed at the time of publication.  Read the full advisory and mitigation guidance on our website: https://lnkd.in/giaPsuT2   #CyberSecurity #Cisco #ZeroDay #ThreatIntel #CyberAlberta #SecurityAdvisory #CCCS #CISA #NCSC #Infosec #AlbertaTech #CyberResilience 

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