CSE Report Highlights Cyber Threats to Canada’s Elections in 2025

The Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) has published its 2025 report on the cyber threats to Canada’s democratic process. The document highlights the increased usage of artificial intelligence (AI) by foreign actors, specifically citing entities from Russia and the People's Republic of China, in attempts to influence democratic activities globally, including in Canada.

The CSE report identifies several tactics employed using AI, such as enhanced social engineering attacks, sophisticated data analysis for influence operations, and the creation of deepfake pornography targeting public figures, aiming to destabilize individuals and institutions.

Despite these identified threats, the report assesses that these AI-driven activities will likely not compromise the integrity of Canada's upcoming federal elections. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, collaborating with the CSE, supports this conclusion, having implemented measures to safeguard the electoral process.

In comments supporting the report, Caroline Xavier, CSE Chief, referred to the challenges posed by AI-enabled threats, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive defensive efforts. Rajiv Gupta, the Head of the Cyber Centre, stated the organization’s ongoing collaboration with Elections Canada as part of their strategy to protect electoral infrastructure.