Computers store, transmit, retrieve and interpret large quantities of information and technological data. Internet and World Wide Web are playing an increasingly important role in connecting up computer users on the information highway. As such, they are also a sensitive and vulnerable target. Information stored in computers can be remotely accessed and retrieved from around the world via international communications links. These links can be intercepted and deciphered.
Hackers can enter public and private sector databases.
Modern-day technology even permits the retrieval of information previously erased from a computer's memory. The national economic strength of a country is gauged in part by the health of its corporations and their ability to succeed in the global marketplace. A nation's ability to promote and protect its economic strength is as essential as its ability to defend itself. It is for these reasons that some foreign nations and their state corporations may find it more convenient to use their intelligence resources in pursuit of economic espionage against specific companies and personnel. It is conceded that the vast majority of business conducted by Canadians in the overseas marketplace happens without incident.