Canada’s Ex-Spy Boss Warns of ‘Cognitive Warfare’ Tactics Being Used by China, Russia

Vanessa Lloyd, interim director at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (L) listens as former director David Vigneault responds to a question at the Foreign Interference Commission in Ottawa on Sept. 27, 2024. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

Populations are being subjected to cognitive attacks that leverage a combination of psychology and new technologies, a former Canadian spy boss has warned, identifying China and Russia as key perpetrators.

David Vigneault, former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), delved into “cognitive warfare” while testifying before the Foreign Interference Commission on Sept. 27.