Ottawa, Canada – The Digital Governance Council (DGC) today announced the launch of its CyberDefence Ready Validation & Verification Program, a new initiative enabling dual-use companies to demonstrate that their cybersecurity practices meet CPCSC Level 1 requirements.
Built specifically for companies supporting or entering Canada’s growing Defence Industrial Base (DIB), the program provides scalable cyber assurance for organizations engaging with the Department of National Defence (DND), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), allied governments, and major defence primes.
“An annual Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification (CPCSC) Level 1 self-assessment is only truly valuable if others can rely on it,” said Keith Jansa, CEO of the Digital Governance Council. “The CyberDefence Program makes that self-assessment more meaningful by reviewing it against real documentation and controls, allowing dual-use companies to point to an independent verification rather than just an internal declaration.”
Supporting Canada’s Expanding Defence Industrial Base
As Canada accelerates domestic defence production and innovation, cyber readiness has become a baseline requirement for participation in procurement, research and development programs, supply chains, and international partnerships.
The CyberDefence Ready Program is designed for organizations at the forefront of Canada’s security and innovation economy, including:
- Defence and security technology firms
- Aerospace, maritime, and land systems suppliers
- Advanced manufacturing companies
- AI, robotics, and autonomous systems developers
- Cyber and digital infrastructure providers
- Dual-use startups supporting defence and public safety
Participating companies receive an independent review conducted by the Digital Governance Council and a formal Statement of Verification that can be used in government procurement, supply-chain assessments, and investor or partner due diligence.
Reducing Audit Burden for Canadian Defence Suppliers
To reduce audit friction and accelerate adoption, companies may choose to participate in the pre-launch of 123 AuditPrep™ to conduct their CPCSC Level 1 self-assessment, organize evidence, and receive a complimentary independent review from the Digital Governance Council.
Upon completion, DGC issues a Statement of Verification suitable for sharing with federal departments, defence primes, international partners, investors, and program administrators.
Dual-Standard Verification: CPCSC + CAN/DGSI 104
As part of the CyberDefence launch, DGC is also offering—for a limited time until January 30, 2026—verification to CAN/DGSI 104 at no additional review fee when bundled with CPCSC Level 1.
“We mapped CPCSC Level 1 and CAN/DGSI 104 in collaboration with 123 Cyber to reduce duplication and cost for Canadian companies,” added Jansa. “CyberDefence is about accelerating Canadian capability, not burdening it with inefficiencies.”
Building a Defence-Ready Canada
The CyberDefence Ready Validation & Verification Program forms part of the Digital Governance Council’s broader commitment to strengthening Canada’s cyber posture across industry and government.
Dual-use and defence-aligned organizations seeking to strengthen their role within Canada’s DIB — and signal cyber readiness to government and prime contractors — are invited to participate.
About the Digital Governance Council
The Digital Governance Council (DGC) is a not-for-profit organization advancing responsible digital governance through leadership in standards and verification. Its independent division, the Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI), develops and maintains standards that promote accountability, transparency, and trust in technology.
Visit www.dgc-cgn.org for more information.