Brant Arnold-Smith | Metro Vancouver

Day 2 – Behind the Firewall: Lessons from a Major Ransomware Attack on a Critical Infrastructure Organization
When a major ransomware attack hit a Canadian infrastructure organization, it triggered an urgent, coordinated response. The team had to act swiftly to contain the threat and minimize damage across essential systems.
This case study offers a behind-the-scenes look at the incident—what worked, what didn’t, and the staggering numbers that underscore the growing risk to public sector organizations. The key takeaways are timely, actionable, and highly relevant.
Brant Arnold-Smith
Division Manager, Protective Services & Emergency Management, Metro Vancouver
Brant Arnold-Smith is a seasoned leader in public safety and emergency management, with over two decades of leadership in emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, and law enforcement.
At Metro Vancouver, Brant oversees strategic planning, operational readiness, and emergency response coordination for the regional district that provides essential services—drinking water, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, 911 Call Answer Service, and much more—to over 3 million people in Canada’s third largest metropolitan centre. His role includes leading organization-wide emergency planning, directing protective services programs for elected officials and critical infrastructure, and serving as Emergency Operations Centre Director.
A strong advocate for interagency collaboration, Brant works closely with organizations such as the Integrated Partnership for Regional Emergency Management, the BC Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness, federal partners, and First Nations to ensure unified response and compliance with emergency legislation.
Brant previously served in operational leadership roles at Victoria International Airport and Vancouver International Airport, where he implemented award-winning emergency protocols and innovative public safety strategies. His early career included distinguished service with the Vancouver Police Department, where he developed his foundation in incident response, and interdepartmental coordination—skills that continue to shape his holistic approach to public safety.
Brant is known for his steady hands-on leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to public safety and building resilient organizations and communities.