Maintaining security during COVID-19

Chief Security Officer's broadcast sent July 17, 2020

I hope this message finds you safe and well as we continue to adjust our work habits in a new environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Covid-19 Infoweb page continues to disseminate our security related broadcasts, important guidelines and temporary exemptions quickly and efficiently. I encourage everyone to check there regularly for updates.

We have worked with our partners in Learning and Development to create the online course Web Conferencing Standards (001257).

I am pleased by the progress made by a number of return to the workplace committees and Divisions that is underway. Security considerations should be included as part of these ongoing discussions and planning.

I will continue to share updates as required and contribute toward maintaining a strong security posture as we move forward together. The regional Departmental Security Sections (DSSs) remain your first point of contact for advice and guidance on security policy.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time. Please stay safe and take care of one another.

Personnel security

The DSSs continue to work on security screening files for new hires, cadet applications and other administrative reviews.

Solutions have been found for fingerprinting candidates using social distancing mitigations. At this time, only critical and essential services are prioritized.

Information technology and communication security

DSB, DSSs and the CIO/DIOs, work closely together to review and address challenges impacting IT security operations and to ensure that IT security policies are followed.

Employees are reminded to protect RCMP and other governmental department or agency information while working from home. The transport, processing, transmission, and storage of information should be conducted in accordance to the level of sensitivity. It is strictly forbidden to transfer or process PROTECTED C or CLASSIFIED Information on any ROSS equipment.

DSB has published COVID-19 Security Guidelines for working remotely to address the evolving work environment.

You are encouraged also to visit the DSB Covid19 Corner.

Managers are reminded to follow the approved IT Security Assessment and Authorization (SA&A) processes (even if streamlined), to ensure that risks and mitigations are documented and approved appropriately. Contact DSB for more information.

Physical security

DSB, DSSs, Contract and Indigenous Policing (C&IP) and Real Property Management (RPM) work closely together to review and address challenges impacting the protection of occupants and policing operations and to ensure that RCMP physical security policies are followed.

DSB has published new Security Guidelines for Ad hoc Detachment Alterations due to COVID-19, and will soon be providing physical guidance for Virtual Court Attendance, Building Reintegration and Video Conferencing.

A reminder that employees are not permitted to access NHQ buildings to retrieve office equipment unless the following process has been completed Accessing Office Workstation Equipment and pre-approved by their managers. Managers are also responsible for keeping an up-to-date inventory of borrowed assets and must coordinate the return of office equipment once normal operations resume.

Security event management

Employees should report security incidents or events to their manager, and to their regional Departmental Security Section using Form 2159.

Cyber security

For more information on how to protect yourself from COVID-19 related cyber threats, visit the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security COVID-19 website.

C/Supt. Paul L. Brown
Chief Security Officer and Director General
Departmental Security Branch

Date modified:

2020-07-27