By Tabitha Caswell
In a groundbreaking move to enhance cybersecurity in Ontario’s agri-tech and agri-food sectors, Durham College’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation has collaborated with the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub(GOAH) through Bioenterprise Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine. This strategic alliance aims to provide startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with robust cybersecurity measures to protect their digital assets and foster innovation.
The collaboration leverages the expertise of Durham College’s certified cybersecurity professionals at its Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation to offer tailored solutions based on the CAN/CIOSC 104 standard – Canada’s national standard for baseline cybersecurity controls for SMEs. Unlike the more demanding ISO 27001, this standard provides an accessible framework with up to 55 essential controls, making it an excellent starting point for organizations looking to bolster their cybersecurity posture.
“Our collaboration with GOAH and Bioenterprise Canada is a significant step towards securing the digital infrastructure of agri-tech innovators,” says Sushant Katare, CISSP and Senior Manager of the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation at Durham College. “We’re empowering agri-businesses to protect themselves against cyber threats, earn customer trust, and maintain a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.”
This collaboration addresses a critical need in the agri-tech and agri-food industries, where digital transformation has increased vulnerability to cyber attacks. By adopting the CAN/CIOSC 104 standard, businesses can mitigate risks associated with data breaches and ransomware attacks, safeguarding not only their operations but also the broader supply chain.
“Bioenterprise Canada is thrilled to support this initiative,” says Braden Kemp, GOAH Manager. “Cybersecurity is not just an optional activity for Canadian agri-food businesses; it’s imperative. By connecting our Engine members with top-tier cybersecurity expertise, we’re fostering a more secure and resilient agri-tech ecosystem in Ontario.”
With this strategic collaboration, Durham College’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, GOAH, and Bioenterprise Canada are set to make a lasting impact on the security and success of agri-tech businesses across Ontario. This initiative not only strengthens individual companies but also enhances the overall resilience of the agri-food and agri-tech sectors.
Media Contact
Braden Kemp, GOAH Manager, Bioenterprise Canada, braden.kemp@bioenterprise.ca
About Bioenterprise Canada and GOAH
Bioenterprise is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, a national agri-technology-focused commercialization accelerator. With over 20 years of industry experience and a global network of experts, mentors, funders, researchers, and industry partners, Bioenterprise helps small and medium-sized agri-food businesses connect, innovate, and grow.
The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub, delivered by Bioenterprise Canada and funded by the Governments of Canada and Ontario through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), provides support to innovative Ontario-based SME companies to advance more solutions and technologies to market.
About Durham College’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation
Durham College’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation is dedicated to delivering top-notch cybersecurity solutions. With a team of seasoned and certified professionals, the Centre offers extensive experience in cybersecurity implementation. They are committed to helping organizations navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, ensuring digital infrastructures are secure and resilient against evolving threats.
About the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Sustainable CAP is a 5-year (2023-2028) $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.
For inquiries, please contact:
Reka Szekely, Communications Officer, Durham College, reka.szekely@durhamcollege.ca