According to Cisco’s 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index only three per cent of Canadian businesses are fully prepared to defend against today’s threats. AI is both a powerful tool for security and a major risk, with 80 per cent of organizations reporting AI-related incidents like phishing scams, deepfakes, and AI model manipulation. Yet, 41 per cent of companies lack confidence in their employees’ ability to recognize AI-related threats, exposing critical vulnerabilities.
Beyond AI concerns, organizations are struggling with outdated security frameworks, talent shortages, and fragmented infrastructures. 37 per cent experienced cyberattacks last year, while shadow AI, unmanaged devices, and insufficient cybersecurity budgets are further weakening defenses. Alarmingly, 67 per cent of businesses report that an overload of security solutions slows down response times rather than improving them.
To stay resilient, Canadian companies must invest in AI-driven security, simplify security strategies, and enhance employee awareness of AI-related risks. Strengthening threat detection, prioritizing cybersecurity budgets, and addressing talent gaps will be essential in securing businesses against evolving threats. As Cisco’s Chief Technology Officer, Robert Barton, warns, “It’s no longer about keeping pace—it’s about setting the pace for security resilience.”
Original article courtesy of NewsWire.ca
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