In this episode of The Defender’s Log, host David Redekop sits down with Sami Khoury, the Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, for an inside look at the battle to protect national infrastructure from unseen digital threats.

From his beginnings as a research engineer in 1992 to leading one of Canada’s most critical cybersecurity agencies, Sami shares lessons from three decades of defense — from combating ransomware to promoting “secure-by-design” innovation.

Discover how public-private collaboration, education, and technology are shaping the next frontier of digital security. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional, policymaker, or tech enthusiast, this episode will leave you with a new appreciation for the people protecting the digital realm.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

Ransomware and the evolution of modern cyber threats

Why “secure-by-design” is the foundation of cyber resilience

The power of collaboration between government and private sectors

Building a cybersecurity culture through awareness and innovation

Insights into the mindset of a lifelong defender of the digital realm

Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 — The Original Spark: Passion for Problem-Solving

01:01 — Welcome to The Defender’s Log

01:17 — Meet Sami Khoury: Canada’s Cybersecurity Leader

03:34 — The Journey from Engineer to Cyber Chief

06:34 — A Day in the Life of a National Cyber Defender

08:55 — Cyber Policy and the Power of Innovation

12:19 — Inside the Cyber Center: Strategy and Collaboration

28:50 — Ransomware: The Evolving Threat Landscape

34:19 — Building a Culture of Cyber Resilience

40:59 — Recognitions, Reflections, and Lessons Learned

44:42 — A Call to Action: The Future of Cyber Defense