Cybersecurity in Canada, On Guard for Thee.
Cyber threats are no longer a distant concern for Canadian businesses—they’re a daily reality. The 2025 CIRA Cybersecurity Survey, conducted by The Strategic Counsel, gathered insights from 500 cybersecurity decision-makers across the country. The findings reveal a landscape where cyber-attacks are not just expected—they’re recurring. For SMBs, this means resilience and preparedness are more critical than ever.
One of the most pressing concerns is the rise of generative AI in cyber-crime. A full 70% of respondents expressed worry about AI-driven threats, including sophisticated phishing schemes, deepfake content, and data manipulation. The ability of AI to mimic human behavior and generate convincing digital artifacts is making it harder for organizations to detect and defend against attacks.
Despite these challenges, Canadian organizations are stepping up. Nearly 80% have increased their cybersecurity budgets by 10–25%, prioritizing data sovereignty over cost when selecting third-party solutions. AI tools are being integrated into workflows at a growing rate—65% in 2025 compared to just 44% in 2023. And almost all organizations (98%) are investing in employee cybersecurity training, recognizing that human error remains a major vulnerability.
The survey also highlights the ongoing impact of cyber incidents. Forty-three percent of organizations reported being targeted by cyber-attacks in the past year, and 42% experienced data breaches—up significantly from 29% in 2022. Ransomware remains a persistent threat, with nearly a quarter of respondents affected and a staggering 74% of those choosing to pay the ransom.
On a more encouraging note, recovery efforts are improving. Two-thirds of organizations activated their incident response plans in the past year, and many were able to restore systems and recover data within a month. Impressively, 42% achieved full recovery in under a week, underscoring the value of structured planning and rapid response capabilities.
For SMBs in Canada, the message is clear: cybersecurity is no longer optional. Investing in robust defenses, staying informed about emerging threats, and preparing for recovery are essential steps to safeguard your business in an increasingly digital—and dangerous—world.
Original article courtesy of CIRA.ca
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