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ARTICLE · 23 SEPTEMBER 2022

The Case Of The Missing Computers: Lessons Learned From Health Canada

McMillan LLP
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An audit of Health Canada's information technology ("IT") systems (the "Audit") found a long list of problems, including, among others, insufficient or inefficient tracking of IT assets...

CanadaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Robert C. Piasentin
Robert C. Piasentin
Yue Fei
Yue Fei
Kristen Shaw
Kristen Shaw
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An audit of Health Canada's information technology ("IT") systems (the "Audit") found a long list of problems, including, among others, insufficient or inefficient tracking of IT assets, lack of proper maintenance of IT hardware assets, outdated IT hardware assets decommissioning processes, and overall inadequate governance and support for planning and engagement for IT asset management.1 This bulletin aims at the lessons companies can learn from the Audit and highlights the importance of having and implementing a robust internal IT and cybersecurity program.

The Audit and Its Findings

The Audit included the examination and assessment of systems, records, personnel, and physical properties related to IT assets of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (collectively, the "Department") up to June 2019. Although the Audit was completed in 2019, it was not made public until June 2022. The Audit was not the first audit of the Department's IT assets; an

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The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

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