CyberTowns Report

Find out what Cities are Powering Canada’s Digital Future

For the second year in a row, CCN's team has worked with Canadian thought leaders and local cybersecurity experts and communities to pull together a national report potlighting the cities leading Canada's cybersecurity and digital innovation ecosystem. A roadmap for building vibrant cyber communities, the report offers actionable insights for policymakers, investors, tech leaders, and educators committed to advancing Canada’s cybersecurity competitiveness, national security, and digital resilience on a global scale.

 Platinum Sponsor

Cybertowns 2025 Report

"Canada doesn't need to be the biggest or pay the most; we just need to create the most attractive environments to foster and develop cybersecurity talent, research, and family life," said François Guay, Founder and CEO of the Canadian Cybersecurity Network. "CyberTowns 2025 perfectly illustrates how we can achieve this by building community ecosystems where people want to live, thrive, and stay."

To celebrate the report's release, the Canadian Cybersecurity Network partnered with renowned Canadian illustrator Cornelia Li, whose work has been featured in the Atlantic and Walrus, to design a custom cover that captures the creative spirit of cybersecurity communities across the country.

Looking to showcase your cybersecurity skills?

This year's edition also includes an interactive section, featuring a hidden cyber puzzle designed to engage and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity talent. The first person to solve the puzzle will receive the first-ever Canadian Cyber ​​Security Network challenge coin and be inducted into the CCN's Cyber Legends Hall of Fame.

Methodology
The Canadian Cybersecurity Network (CCN) conducted its second CyberTowns study between January and April 2025. Building on the 2024 edition—which leveraged Statistics Canada data and a national CCN survey to rank cybersecurity hubs—this year’s report shifts focus from quantitative rankings to qualitative ecosystem analysis.

The 2025 edition features in-depth profiles of 12 cities across Canada, developed in partnership with local cybersecurity leaders who served as researchers, writers, and community ambassadors. These contributors provided insight into a range of local factors shaping cyber success, including workforce training, startup activity, public-private collaboration, research infrastructure, and inclusive economic development strategies.