Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Anti-5G Tower Fires

Date: May 5, 2020

Classification: Unclassified

Branch/Agency: NCSB

Proposed Response:

Background:

Fifth Generation Wireless Technology

Wireless systems are the modern infrastructure on which the global data driven economy is built. The global telecommunications sector is undergoing a transition from fourth generation wireless technology to fifth generation (5G). 5G networks will operate at significantly higher speeds and will provide greater versatility, capability, and complexity than previous generations. As a result, 5G systems will become a crucial component of Canada’s critical infrastructure. Although the full implementation of 5G in Canada’s telecommunications sector will take several years, some major telecommunications service providers (TSPs) have begun announcing the initial vendors whose equipment will be used to build their 5G systems, including Rogers (Ericsson), Vidéotron (Samsung), and Bell (Nokia). 5G spectrum auctions will continue throughout 2020.

5G telecommunications systems, like the generations before it, will play a critical role in ensuring public safety and security in Canada, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. More than ever, reliable connectivity is a necessity for our daily lives and our collective safety and security, underpinning the delivery of things such as health care, financial transactions, safe transportation, and emergency communications. Acts of vandalism or sabotage directed at the towers that make up these systems, whether 5G or previous generations, could cause disruptions and jeopardize the safety and security of Canadians.

Misinformation

Over the last several months, during the roll-out of 5G networks internationally, incidents of vandalism and arson targeting network towers have been reported. These acts are purported to have been carried out by individuals or groups who believe there is a connection between the timeline of 5G networks being installed worldwide and the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 and 5G network conspiracy theories have gained significant traction online since the beginning of 2020. Social media has been widely used by opponents of 5G networks to spread conspiracies about the link between 5G and COVID-19. Open source analysis revealed that two Facebook groups in Canada, 5G-Toronto Under Attack and STOP 5G Montreal perpetuate conspiracies, posting propaganda material related to 5G and health concerns to their pages.

Canadian Incidents

In the first week of May 2020, media reported three separate incidents in Quebec where cell towers were targeted and lit on fire. All three incidents are under investigation by police, who have indicated it is too soon to determine whether these are acts of vandalism by anti-5G protesters.  Although these incidents occurred in Quebec, given the widespread prevalence of the 5G/COVID-19 conspiracy theories, there is concern that this type of activity could be repeated elsewhere in Canada.

Protecting Canada’s Critical Infrastructure

Canada’s approach to critical infrastructure security and resilience is outlined in the 2010 National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure (National Strategy). The 10 critical infrastructure sectors outline in the National Strategy are: (1) energy and utilities, (2) finance, (3) food, (4) transportation, (5) government, (6) information and communication technology, (7) health, (8) water, (9) safety, and (10) manufacturing.

The accompanying Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure (the most recent iteration of which is for 2018-2020) serves as the blueprint that outlines how the Strategy is implemented, with specific deliverables Public Safety Canada is undertaking in collaboration with its public and private sector partners.

Recognizing that most critical infrastructure in Canada is owned by the private and non-federal public sector, the National Strategy is based on three strategic objectives: (1) building partnerships, (2) implementing an all-hazards risk management approach, and (3) sharing and protecting information.

Public Safety, along with other governmental stakeholders, continues to engage with critical infrastructure owners and operators to ensure that critical services continue to be delivered to Canadians, particularly during times of crisis. 

Contacts:

Prepared by: Gregory Bunghardt, A/Manager, National Cyber Security Directorate, 613-990-9608 / 613-558-8231(c)

Approved by: Dominic Rochon, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, 613-990-4976

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