Invisible shield: How CAFCYBERCOM protects the systems that protect Canada

Invisible shield: How CAFCYBERCOM protects the systems that protect Canada

April 7, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:55

By: Major Christopher Daniel, Senior Public Affairs Officer, CAFCYBERCOM

When people think about national defence, they picture ships at sea, aircraft in the sky, and soldiers on the ground. What they do not see are the secure networks, satellite communications, sensors, mission data, and command-and-control systems that make those operations possible.

That unseen layer is where the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) operates.

CAFCYBERCOM protects the military systems that enable NORAD warning, Arctic sovereignty operations, deployed missions, search and rescue, and naval and air platforms. Without secure and resilient digital and electromagnetic systems, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) cannot respond decisively to threats at home or abroad.

"Operational readiness today depends on secure and resilient systems across the digital and electromagnetic spectrum," said Major-General Dave Yarker, CAFCYBERCOM Commander. "If an adversary can disrupt our networks, interfere with our sensors, or compromise our mission data, they can affect our ability to act. Our responsibility is to detect and counter those activities, so commanders retain freedom of action."

Military cyber and electromagnetic threats differ from those faced by civilian institutions. Foreign military cyber units and hostile intelligence services deliberately target defence networks, platforms, and communications to degrade operations and weaken national security. These actions go beyond data theft. They are designed to disrupt command and control and undermine operational advantage.

Civilian agencies play a vital role in protecting public institutions and critical infrastructure. However, responding to military grade threats directed at defence systems and operations falls within the CAF's mandate.

CAFCYBERCOM brings together cyber operations, Joint Electronic Warfare, and military Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) under one unified command. In modern conflict, the digital and electromagnetic domains are inseparable. Cyber operators defend and secure networks. Joint Electronic Warfare specialists manage and protect the electromagnetic spectrum that enables sensors, communications, and weapons systems. SIGINT professionals collect and analyze foreign signals to identify and assess potential threats.

Integrated under one command, these capabilities enable earlier threat detection, faster mission data generation, clearer operational awareness, and enhanced force protection for members in Canada and abroad.

"Our strength rests in our people," said Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Peter Holub, CAFCYBERCOM CWO. "Cyber operators, electronic warfare specialists, and signals intelligence professionals work as one team to protect the systems Canadians depend on."

The Command also enables Canada to operate credibly with NATO, NORAD, Five Eyes, and Indo-Pacific partners. By safeguarding the military systems that underpin crisis response and allied commitments, it helps ensure that when Canadians need their Armed Forces, they are ready, connected, and protected.

In today's security environment, protecting Canada begins in domains most Canadians will never see.