What's up with the internet? – Details, episodes & analysis

Host Takara Small is back for another season to explore the question: what’s up with cybercrime?  and how can we protect ourselves online?  We discuss cybersecurity’s history, evolution and how the alarming rise in cybercrime has impacted everything from our economy to our healthcare system—and even our elections. Guests include David Shipley (Beauceron Security) and security guru Bruce Schneier.

For the final episode we’ll take a look at what we’ve learned throughout the series and ask, what is needed to make things better? And what are the chances of that happening? Looking back to the issues outlined through the previous five episodes our guests return to offer some solutions.

Canadian Minister Gudie Hutchings joins the conversation.

Having access to the internet doesn’t matter if you don’t feel safe using it. Online threats from trolls, viruses, hackers, or even that general sense of anxiety that comes from doom-scrolling are now the norm. There’s a long list of reasons that can make the internet a dangerous or unhealthy space. That can make users fearful of exploring the internet and taking advantage of all the ways it can benefit them. This segment will look at how Canadians of all ages can keep themselves safe and protected online featuring interviews from Helen Hayes of McGill University and Frances Haugen.

Being able to simply get online isn’t enough in our digitally-connected world. Many Canadians who aren’t netizens lack the basic skills to access vital online services and resources. If you’ve got a laptop and high-speed broadband in front of you but you don’t know how to use it, that is the same level of disconnection as no internet at all. Paula Canas from Tech Manitoba joins us to discuss how classes teaching basic internet skills can be life changing, while author and tech commentator Paris Marx is back to give his thoughts on how we can get better at identifying misinformation.

In Canada, the lack of competition among internet providers plays a major role in exacerbating the digital inequity (and the expensive mobile data plans) that Canadians have come to accept. This episode explores what this means for the average Canadian, with a dive into the regulations involved. Featuring guest interviews from tech critic Paris Marx (the Tech Won’t Save Us podcast) and internet activist Bryson Masse.

Canada is home to some of the most expensive internet plans in the world. With rising costs of living, what happens to those left behind? Hear perspectives from Joel Templeman (Internet Society Manitoba Chapter) and Ray Noyes (ACORN Canada).

What’s up with the digital divide? Host Takara Small interviews Canadians that don’t have reliable broadband and offers a glimpse on the impact it has on their lives. We also explore the barriers to getting everyone connected. Guests include Patrika McEvoy (Old Masset Village), Mark Buell (Connect Humanity) and Colleen McCormick (Coastal First Nations).

How quickly can your digital footprint be upended by a single cybersecurity breach? Christine Schiefer, co-host of the "And That's Why We Drink" podcast sits down with us to talk all about her harrowing (and at times hilarious) hacking story. Christine Ménard from the Communications Security Establishment, joins the conversation to talk about the practical and proactive steps we can take to keep ourselves safe online. 

Later on in the episode, we recap data from CIRA members about their cybersecurity experiences and talk to tech journalist Shoshana Wodinsky for a closer look at the impacts of how much of our data is held and traded by companies and online platforms.

You've seen it in the headlines—the ongoing crisis of cyberattacks threatening our hospitals, corporations and even law enforcement agencies. Sami Khoury from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) joins us to discuss how the rapid digital transformation triggered by the pandemic has opened new doors for hackers. Later in the episode, we're joined by award-winning journalist Joseph Cox (404 Media) to discuss the broader implications of data privacy in the digital age. 

Host Takara Small also sheds light on the shadowy, high stakes world of ransomware negotiations and the unexpected targets of these attacks—like libraries and zoos—that fall victim due to overlooked vulnerabilities. 

We close out the episode by sharing ways to improve your personal cybersecurity and recognize the shared duty we all have in safeguarding our digital identities.

We're exploring the relationship between cybersecurity and national security—with a spotlight on recent cyber threats in Canada. We welcome guest Aaron Shull, Managing Director and General Counsel at CIGI, to share insight into Canada's election security, highlighting the resilience of our paper-backed ballot system. Next, we turn our attention to the increasingly prevalent cyber attacks on political campaigns and party infrastructures. We also delve into the risks associated with emerging AI technologies, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic governance to prevent their misuse.