2024 report explores the communities shaping Canada’s digital future
Recommended Videos
Methodology behind CyberTowns 2024
CyberTowns 2024 ranked cities using a data-driven approach combining national statistics (60 per cent) and direct feedback from cybersecurity professionals (40 per cent). The survey, conducted between September 2023 and April 2024, gathered 1,851 responses from cybersecurity and IT professionals across the country.
Top Canadian cities for cybersecurity careers
Toronto: Canada’s cyber capital
Toronto secured the top spot as Canada’s largest cybersecurity hub, home to a vast network of professionals, research institutions and major tech employers. With high salaries and access to AI and cybersecurity firms, the city offers abundant opportunities. However, skyrocketing housing costs and taxation make affordability a growing concern, potentially driving young professionals to more affordable markets.
Edmonton: A rising powerhouse
Edmonton emerged as Canada’s second-best city for cybersecurity careers, bolstered by low taxes and a strong job market. The city’s tech sector is expanding rapidly, attracting cybersecurity professionals looking for a more affordable alternative to Toronto and Vancouver. However, crime rates and harsh winters pose challenges to long-term talent retention.
Calgary: The fastest-growing tech hub
Calgary ranked third, cementing itself as one of Canada’s most attractive cybersecurity destinations. The city benefits from the lowest corporate and personal tax rates in Canada, combined with growing investment from cybersecurity firms such as Fortinet. Calgary’s tech ecosystem continues to evolve, but rising housing costs and a competitive job market may impact future rankings.
Tim McCreight, CEO of TaleCraft Security and this year’s author for the report on the City of Calgary, says he is proud of how far Alberta has come in collaborating on cybersecurity.
“I’m proud to see how our post-secondary institutions are building programs to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals,” McCreight says. “Whether it’s Bow Valley College, Mount Royal University, the University of Calgary or the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology – each is finding opportunities to provide relevant courses to new cybersecurity entrants, or seasoned professionals wanting to build up their skills.”
Winnipeg: The underdog city to watch
Winnipeg delivered one of the biggest surprises in the report, emerging as a strong cybersecurity community with affordability, growing job prospects and strong professional networks. While often overlooked as a tech hub, Winnipeg has seen steady growth in cybersecurity talent and business investment. However, higher crime rates and extreme weather conditions remain key concerns.
Ottawa: The government and R&D giant
Ottawa’s cybersecurity strength lies in its government-backed initiatives and world-class research institutions. Home to key employers like the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, Shopify and BlackBerry, Ottawa offers lucrative career opportunities. However, the city struggles with high living costs and bureaucratic and political hurdles that can slow down innovation and hiring.
Kitchener-Waterloo: Collaboration hub
Albert Heinle, co-founder and CTO of CoGuard authored the section in the report focused on Kitchener-Waterloo. He says there are numerous examples of strong companies that originated in the area including OpenText, RIM (later Blackberry) and ESentire.
“Together with the University of Waterloo, there was a source for new talent and a magnet for new talent coming into the area,” he says.
As a result, the need for cybersecurity came naturally, with solutions built by both the “giants,” but also by startups. This, in turn, evolved into a large community of security experts who ran into each other regularly and began to organize events, he says.
“So yes, it is the people who came here and created a great area for cyber-experts to exchange ideas.”
The urgency of cybersecurity talent retention
While CyberTowns 2024 highlighted the best places for cybersecurity careers, the report also exposed major challenges that could weaken Canada’s position in the global tech landscape.
Talent drain remains a serious issue, as many Canadian cybersecurity professionals are drawn to higher-paying opportunities in the U.S. and Europe.
Entry-level positions are scarce, leaving new graduates struggling to break into the industry. Additionally, Canada’s restrictive immigration and employment policies create barriers for international talent looking to contribute to the country’s cybersecurity workforce. The rising cost of living in major tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver is also a growing concern.
Without competitive salaries and tax incentives, Canada risks losing its best cybersecurity minds to countries that offer more financial and professional incentives.
What to expect from CyberTowns 2025
As CyberTowns 2025 approaches, the focus will shift to identifying new cybersecurity R&D clusters, refining policy recommendations and expanding the survey scope to assess evolving trends in the workforce. The next report will look at how cities are adapting to retain talent, foster innovation, collaborate and ensure that Canada remains a cybersecurity leader.
Ultimately, cybersecurity isn’t just an economic issue – it’s a matter of national security.
Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, financial systems and personal data are on the rise, and Canada must ensure that its best talent is working on home soil. The country’s ability to protect itself in the digital age will depend on how well it nurtures, develops and retains its cybersecurity professionals.
The road ahead: Will Canada lead or fall behind?
The findings from CyberTowns 2024 serve as a wake-up call. Canada has the talent, the resources and the infrastructure to become a global leader in cybersecurity – but only if it acts decisively. Governments, businesses and academic institutions must work together to create a cybersecurity ecosystem that is competitive, inclusive and sustainable.
As CyberTowns 2025 takes shape, the critical question remains: Will Canada rise to the challenge or will it continue losing its top cyber talent to competitors?
Heinle believes that one important key to success is to create regular, hosted events with the major corporate partners that promote a friendly exchange of ideas.
“So far, the cybercommunity is composed of many individuals volunteering and creating events,” he says. “Community efforts supported by the large players would be welcomed. Include students, as well, and give them the chance to learn from everyone.
“We have the ingredients to act like the Bay area and we should bake the cake with it.”
Wiser words could not have been spoken. Collaboration and working together, no matter the politics, the language, the size or the experience is key to our collective national success.
Join the conversation
CyberTowns 2025 is shaping the future of Canada’s cybersecurity landscape. We’re gathering insights from industry leaders, policymakers and professionals – and we want your voice in the discussion.
