The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI), in partnership with HealthCareCAN, has opened a 90-day systematic maintenance review of CAN/DGSI 118: Cyber Resiliency in Healthcare, Canada’s national standard designed to strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of healthcare organizations.
First published in 2023, CAN/DGSI 118 provides healthcare institutions with a clear and adaptable framework for preventing, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber threats. It was developed in direct response to the increasing volume and sophistication of cyberattacks targeting Canada’s health sector, with the goal of protecting both critical digital infrastructure and the privacy and safety of patients.
DGSI now invites the public including healthcare leaders, IT professionals, regulators, and cybersecurity experts to provide input that will help ensure the standard remains relevant, practical, and future-ready in an evolving threat environment.
About the Standard
CAN/DGSI 118: Cyber Resiliency in Healthcare was developed in collaboration with HealthCareCAN and Public Safety Canada and reflects a wide range of stakeholder feedback. The standard:
- Defines organizational, technical, and human-layer requirements for cyber resiliency
- Adapts to various healthcare environments, from large hospital systems to community clinics
- Provides a scalable model that aligns with existing regulatory obligations
- Supports a lifecycle approach to cybersecurity risk management
- Prioritizes the protection of sensitive patient data and digital service continuity
The standard is applicable to both public and private healthcare providers, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, health authorities, and digital health vendors. Its recommendations focus on minimizing disruption to healthcare delivery while maximizing organizational readiness and patient protection.
Submit your Feedback
The 90-day maintenance review is open until December 8, 2025. You can access and provide your feedback at CAN/DGSI 118
Input received during this 90-day period will inform any necessary revisions, reaffirmation, or transitions of the standard based on evolving needs and risks across Canada’s healthcare landscape.
For more information on DGSI’s technical committees and standards development process, visit: https://dgc-cgn.org/standards
Get involved
The DGSI’s development process is collaborative and open to all, and anyone interested in contributing to the development of digital governance standards is encouraged to get involved. For more information on how to participate, contact:
Darryl Kingston
Executive Director
Digital Governance Standards Institute
darryl.kingston@dgc-cgn.org
For further details or media inquiries, please contact:
Shyra Wells
Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Lead
Digital Governance Council
shyra.craig@dgc-cgn.org
About the Digital Governance Standards Institute
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.