Information Technology Services (ITS)

New initiative investigates cyber security threats facing higher education

Published on: April 16, 2019

CanSSOC

Shared Security Operations Centre (CanSSOC), currently in the proof of concept stage, is an initiative that, if implemented, will allow for real-time threat detection, analysis and mitigation for its members.

The University of Toronto (U of T) has joined forces with five other Canadian universities to explore the feasibility of a cyber security operations centre for higher education in Canada.

Currently in the proof of concept stage, Shared Security Operations Centre (CanSSOC) is an initiative that, if implemented, will allow for real-time threat detection, analysis and mitigation for its members.

The need for such a service is critical. According to Universities Canada, there are 1.7 million students along with more than $13 billion in research and development invested in higher education to protect (2017 figures).

Along with U of T, CanSSOC’s academic members include the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, McGill University, McMaster University and Ryerson University.

“This partnership represents an investment in security,” says U of T Chief Information Officer Bo Wandschneider. “By harnessing the power of a collective, we are hoping to develop a robust model that will leverage our shared strengths for successful prevention, detection and mitigation for all.”

The initiative is housed at the U of T St. George campus and led by Shared Security Operations Centre Director Martin Loeffler.

“The sophisticated nature of modern cyber threats requires an approach that is unfortunately not achievable for one institution on its own,” says Loeffler. “The vision for CanSSOC includes an increased number of technologies, services and highly qualified specialists that is both cost-efficient and effective for participating institutions. Another key factor in the initiative’s success will be the involvement of Canada’s National Research and Education Network (NREN) partners: CANARIE, BCNET, Cybera, ORION and RISQ.”

CanSSOC is modelled after OmniSOC, the first-of-its kind higher education joint cyber security operations centre, founded by Indiana University, Northwestern University, Purdue University, Rutgers University and the University of Nebraska.

The estimated cost of the CanSSOC proof of concept is $1.5 million with a completion date slated for January 2020.

For more information, visit CanSSOC.ca.

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Mark your calendar:
A discussion on CanSSOC will be presented at UnITe 2019.

Details:

  • Sharing is caring ‒ The CanSSOC project; A security partnership
  • Presented by: Martin Loeffler, University of Toronto, St. George campus
  • May 3,  8:30 – 9:20 a.m.