Cybersecurity Basics Every Canadian Business Should Know

Cyberattacks on Canadian small and medium businesses are increasing every year. Ransomware, phishing, and data breaches can devastate a business. Here are the fundamentals every business should have in place.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enable MFA on every account that supports it — email, cloud services, banking, and admin panels. MFA blocks over 99% of automated attacks. Use authenticator apps rather than SMS where possible.

Endpoint Protection

Every device that connects to your network needs endpoint protection (modern antivirus). Business-grade solutions from providers like SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, or Microsoft Defender for Business offer centralized management and threat detection.

Backups

Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy offsite. Test your backups regularly. If ransomware hits, backups are your lifeline.

Employee Training

Most breaches start with a phishing email. Regular security awareness training teaches employees to spot suspicious links, verify requests, and report incidents. Even quarterly 15-minute sessions make a difference.

If You Are Breached

Disconnect affected systems from the network immediately. Do not pay ransoms without consulting a cybersecurity professional. Contact your IT provider or a cybersecurity incident response firm. If personal data is involved, you may have legal obligations under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA).