Sami Khoury, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity sector and the former head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), has recently announced his departure from the agency to assume a new role as the Canadian government’s Senior Official for Cybersecurity. With a background of over three decades at the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada’s primary cyber and signals intelligence agency, Khoury shared his career transition via a post on LinkedIn, marking the end of his tenure at the CCCS and the commencement of a new chapter in his illustrious career.
In his LinkedIn post, Khoury reflected on the 1,114 days he spent as the Head of the Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity, describing the experience as “nothing short of remarkable.” During his time at the helm of the CCCS, Khoury played a pivotal role in bolstering Canada’s cybersecurity defenses amidst a backdrop of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. He acknowledged the challenges faced and the valuable lessons learned throughout his tenure, particularly in addressing various cyber incidents that tested the agency’s capabilities.
Under Khoury’s leadership, the CCCS actively responded to several high-profile cyber incidents, underscoring its critical role in safeguarding Canada’s digital infrastructure. Notably, the agency was involved in investigations surrounding a suspected state-sponsored hack of government systems in British Columbia, which compromised sensitive information stored in email inboxes. Moreover, incidents such as cyberattacks on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada’s foreign ministry further highlighted the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect national security interests.
One of Khoury’s key principles in cybersecurity governance is the emphasis on building strong and trusted partnerships both domestically and internationally. He firmly believes that collaborative efforts are essential in combating cyber threats effectively, acknowledging that no single entity can address these challenges in isolation. Throughout his tenure at the CCCS, Khoury actively engaged with a diverse array of stakeholders, fostering cooperation and coordination to enhance cybersecurity resilience on a global scale.
As Khoury transitions to his new role as the Canadian government’s Senior Official for Cybersecurity, he brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. His tenure at the CSE, where he initially served as a research engineer in 1992, has equipped him with the expertise needed to shape national cybersecurity policies, coordinate responses to cyber threats, and ensure Canada’s resilience in the face of evolving cybersecurity risks.
Looking ahead, Khoury expressed his eagerness to continue contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity initiatives, reinforcing the importance of a strong and resilient cyber agenda. As he assumes his new responsibilities, Khoury is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding Canada’s national security interests and navigating the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape with diligence and expertise.