Canadian businesses may find the lessons from Hamilton’s experience invaluable as they navigate their own cybersecurity challenges. Here’s what unfolded:
Hamilton faced serious vulnerabilities in its IT systems as identified by the Auditor General (AG) in 2021. These included decentralized IT elements, inadequate monitoring, recovery planning, and employee susceptibility to phishing scams. While the AG proposed 29 recommendations to mitigate these risks, these were shared confidentially with city management to safeguard against cybercriminals. Plans for a follow-up audit were disrupted by a massive cyberattack in February 2024, which left parts of the system dysfunctional for months.
Recovery efforts have since stabilized, and the AG is preparing a new audit to assess the city’s post-attack security status, its current plans, and areas for improvement. This comes as a stark reminder of the importance of continuous security measures, leadership training, employee education, and proactive strategies for evolving IT risks.
For Canadian businesses, this story underscores the value of:
- Implementing robust, centralized IT systems.
- Conducting regular risk assessments and audits.
- Educating staff to recognize phishing scams and other threats.
- Preparing comprehensive recovery and monitoring plans.
Hamilton’s experience illustrates that cybersecurity is not just about defense—it’s about ongoing vigilance, adaptability, and shared accountability. Don’t wait for a crisis to act; invest in security now to safeguard your future.
Original article courtesy of BayObserver.ca
Enhance Your Business Security with Expert Cybersecurity Solutions. Click here to learn more and download shawcsIT’s free services overview catalogue.