Canada’s Cyber Cities Take Center Stage in New National Report
CyberTowns 2025 reveals how Canadian cities are shaping the future of cybersecurity and our digital way of life.
Canada’s cybersecurity revolution isn’t happening behind closed doors or in secret server rooms, it’s unfolding in the heart of its cities.
A new report released on Thursday, May 15th in Toronto at the Toronto Cybersecurity Summit by the Canadian Cybersecurity Network (CCN) spotlights the 12 cities that are not just adapting to the digital age, but powering Canada’s future-. Titled CyberTowns 2025, the second annual edition of this groundbreaking study offers a bold look at how Canadian communities are building vibrant, resilient ecosystems that fuse cybersecurity talent, innovation, livability, and public-private collaboration.
Unlike traditional rankings, CyberTowns 2025 dives deeper—focusing not just on where cybersecurity is thriving, but how and why. From Calgary’s leadership in Operational Technology (OT) to Montreal’s world-renowned hacker culture, the report makes a powerful case: Canada’s cyber strength is local and its future is community-driven. “Canada doesn’t need to be the biggest or pay the most, we just need to create the most attractive environments to foster and build cybersecurity talent, research, and family life,” said François Guay, founder and CEO of CCN. “CyberTowns 2025 shows exactly how we can do that by building community-powered ecosystems where people want to live, grow, and stay.”
Among this year’s standout findings:
- Talent Is Canada’s Superpower: Cities like Fredericton, Victoria, and Waterloo are creating rich pipelines through co-op programs, hands-on education, and micro-credentialing, transforming students into security leaders.
- Livability as Strategy: In an age of remote work and mobile talent, Canadian cities like Quebec City, Victoria and Calgary are proving that affordability, green space, and family life are key factors in attracting and keeping cybersecurity professionals.
- Challenges on the Horizon: The report doesn’t shy away from hard truths. Mid-senior talent gaps, US-Canada relations, AI disruption, housing affordability, and credentialing barriers for newcomers could derail momentum without swift national action.
To mitigate these risks while scaling Canada’s city-powered advantage, CCN outlines five clear national priorities, including the creation of a National Cyber Talent Strategy, expanded cross-city innovation support, and investments in year-round community building.
But CyberTowns 2025 is more than policy prescriptions, it’s also a celebration of Canada’s cyber creativity. This year’s report features a custom cover by award-winning Canadian illustrator Cornelia Li (The Atlantic, The Walrus), and even includes a hidden “cyber enigma” puzzle, designed to spark curiosity and test the next generation of cyber minds.
At its core, the report delivers a clear message: cities are now the frontlines of cybersecurity and Canada has an opportunity to lead globally by empowering them and connecting them to a national cybersecurity strategy.
The full report is available for download at www.canadiancybersecuritynetwork.com/cybertown.