How to improve your business’ cyber security

The cyber threat landscape is evolving and highly complex, which is why cybersecurity should be a top priority for every business owner

EVERY BUSINESS OWNER needs to be aware of the evolving cyber-threat landscape and the risks that this presents to their business. It is also important to adopt practical safeguards to protect your operations and data from IT-related risks. This post will tell you all you need to know to understand the current landscape and how to protect your business from cyber threats.

Understand Canada’s Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape

Cybercrime has progressed and evolved at an alarming rate in recent years. This is evident with high-profile incidents like the WestJet cyberattack in June, which saw a malicious actor gain access to the airline’s systems and data. There have also been rising ransomware attacks across critical infrastructure, which highlights the urgent need for robust cyber resilience.

Adopt National Cyber Security Frameworks & Strategy

The Government of Canada launched a new National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) in February 2025, which is a framework designed to protect Canadians against the latest threats. This includes guidance and resources for businesses looking to align operations with national standards. The Canadian Center for Cyber Security can also provide tools for business owners to strengthen their security posture.

Implement Core Cybersecurity Practices for SMEs

There are various core cybersecurity practices for SMEs based on Cyber Central baseline controls and best practices that can help SMEs protect against prevalent cyber threats. This includes everyday controls such as risk assessments, patching, access controls, and cybersecurity awareness training for staff to prevent human error and social engineering. Companies should also use secure business cloud storage to store valuable business data.

Prepare for Talent & Resource Challenges – & Leverage Partnerships

Finally, it is important to be aware of Canada’s serious cybersecurity workforce shortage. It is estimated that there are between 10,000 and 25,000 unfilled roles in Canada, which creates a challenge for SMEs looking for in-house expertise and can leave a business vulnerable. Fortunately, businesses can overcome this challenge by engaging in public-private partnerships. Essentially, this involves sharing threat intelligence within industry networks and making use of government-supported programs like the Cyber Security Innovation Network. By collaborating with trusted partners, small businesses can access expertise and resources that will help them develop an effective defense despite a lack of in-house expertise.

Cybersecurity should be a top priority for every business owner in 2025. Cybercrime is a growing threat and can be devastating for an SME. The cyber threat landscape is evolving and highly complex, which is why it is important to have a strong understanding of this landscape and how you can protect your business against the latest and most sophisticated attacks. This will be key for both survival and growth in the years to come. Hopefully, the advice in this post will help you develop robust protection and cyber resilience now and in the years to come.