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Specified Information is sensitive Canadian government data requiring safeguarding by private contractors, needing protection to prevent harm to operations, security, or privacy.
Specified Information (SI) is the Canadian term for sensitive, non-classified government information that requires safeguarding when handled, processed, or stored by private sector organizations outside the federal government.
Think of it as information that isn't classified as "Secret" or "Top Secret" but still needs protection because its compromise could harm government operations, national security interests, or the privacy of individuals.
A Government of Canada authority identifies and qualifies in a contract exactly which information requires safeguarding. This designation is formal and contractual—you'll know from your contract documents whether you're handling Specified Information.
The classification system follows the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's "Directive on Security Management, Appendix J: Standard on Security Categorization," which defines protected information and its safeguarding requirements.
In defence contracting, SI may include several categories of sensitive information:
Protected A might include personnel information or procurement details. Protected B could include medical records or financial information that could cause serious injury if disclosed.
Protected C involves information where disclosure could cause extremely grave injury to individuals or national interests.
Consider a defence contractor developing a new communications system for the Canadian Armed Forces.
The technical specifications, testing results, project timelines, budget details, and personnel assignments would likely be SI even though they aren't classified.
If adversaries obtained this information, they could understand vulnerabilities in the system, identify key personnel to target, or gain competitive intelligence that harms Canadian interests.
Unlike classified information which is handled in highly controlled government facilities, Specified Information often resides on contractors' regular business networks and systems.
Employees might work with it on laptops, store it in cloud services, or share it via email.
This creates numerous potential vulnerabilities that don't exist in classified environments, making formal security requirements like CPCSC essential.
CPCSC focuses primarily on confidentiality—preventing unauthorized access to SI.
However, the broader cybersecurity approach also considers integrity (ensuring information isn't altered without authorization) and availability (ensuring legitimate users can access information when needed).
All three principles work together to protect the value and trustworthiness of information throughout its lifecycle.
For additional guidance on protecting Specified Information, refer to the following resource:
Preparing for CPCSC (Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification) demands deep knowledge of the certification framework, careful evidence preparation, and hands-on technical implementation. Plurilock delivers with compliance readiness specialists serving Canadian defense suppliers who bring proven experience guiding contractors through cybersecurity certification programs on both sides of the border.
As an established CMMC readiness provider for U.S. defense contractors, we were among the first to extend that expertise north—launching CPCSC readiness services early and serving Canadian defense suppliers from the program's earliest days. We don't conduct audits; we get you ready for them, then help you stay ready.
Why we're the superior choice:
CPCSC-ready—with proven defense contractor experience guiding every step.
A plurilock representative will contact you within one business day.
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