'New arms race' taking shape in cyberspace: Van Loan

A "new arms race" is taking shape in cyberspace, Canada's security czar said Wednesday, lamenting ever bolder and more sophisticated attacks on government websites by Russia, China and others.

"I really look at this area almost as the new arms race," said Canadian Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan.

Cyber security is "a concern both countries share," he told a joint press conference with US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, in Canada to discuss border and other security concerns.

Russia and China "have proven to be adept operators in that area, and they are not the only ones," Van Loan said. "There are a lot of private individuals and other interests that are threatening our security in that regard too."

Cyber attacks occur daily, he added.

Both officials said reviews of existing cyber defenses are ongoing.

(c) 2009 AFP