The Communications Security Establishment (CSE), one of the federal agencies tasked with countering foreign interference, is facing a "serious staffing crisis," according to a former employee of the Communications Security Establishment.

This organization is responsible for intercepting and decrypting communications from foreign targets aiming to harm Canada. It is also responsible for protecting the federal government's computer network and advising critical infrastructure operators, such as banks and hospitals, on how to protect themselves from cyberattacks.

In a rare interview, Caroline Xavier, head of the Cyber Security College, did not deny the existence of a crisis, but stated that the shortage of cybersecurity experts is a global issue.

She also added: "You can talk to any other executive running a tech organization and they will all tell you we are competing for the best talent." "So it may be a national crisis, but it is not a crisis only for the Securities Centre."

Director of CST, Caroline Xavier, acknowledged that her agency is not immune to the widespread shortage of cybersecurity experts.

Recent discoveries regarding India and China have also provided insight into the threats Canada faces.

The Indian government is suspected of ordering the killing of a Sikh activist on Canadian soil, while the Chinese government is accused of conducting intimidation and disinformation campaigns in an attempt to influence the results of the recent federal elections.

What is concerning at this time is CSE's loss of highly qualified technical experts capable of penetrating enemy networks, decoding intelligence information, and thwarting threats against Canada.