LevelSec: Advancing Cyber Leaders

Strengthening Cybersecurity Skills and Leadership for Canadians

LevelSec is Digital Nova Scotia’s newest cybersecurity program, designed to address one of Canada’s most urgent gaps: the shortage of mid-career and senior cybersecurity professionals with the governance, risk, leadership, and technical capabilities needed to protect modern organizations. Developed in partnership with the University of Waterloo, LevelSec provides advanced, industry-aligned training for professionals ready to lead. This program is made possible through funding from the National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC) and Nova Scotia's Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

Why LevelSec?

ISACA's 2025 State of Privacy report highlights that many organizations globally are not confident in ensuring compliance, struggle with understanding privacy obligations, and have a hard time finding expert-level privacy professionals to fill their labour gaps. Canada itself faces escalating security threats, increasing regulatory requirements, and a widening talent shortage—especially at mid- and senior levels. Research and analysis Canada Cybersecurity Network shows that:

• 68% of cybersecurity job postings require advanced certifications like CISSP.
• Only 10% of jobs are truly entry-level.
• Employers report major gaps in communication, governance, risk, and strategic decision-making.
• AI is transforming cybersecurity roles faster than ever.

LevelSec is designed to address these gaps directly by providing training that elevates professionals into leadership-ready roles.

Academic Partner

Thank you to our academic partner, WatSPEED at the University of Waterloo.