Brief: Cyber threats are no longer just a concern for large corporations—Canadian businesses of all sizes are being targeted at an alarming rate. Yet, most are underprepared, leaving critical gaps in their defences. F12 conducted thousands of cybersecurity assessments across Canada, uncovering the biggest vulnerabilities businesses face today. The results? 94% of businesses aren’t following cybersecurity best practices, 88% of breaches stem from human error, and most leaders underestimate their risk.
In this blog, we break down the key findings, explain why cyber resilience matters, and show you how to strengthen your security posture—fast.
Cyber Threats Are Hitting Canadian Businesses Hard—Are You Ready?
Cyber threats aren’t just a possibility anymore—they’re a reality. Attackers are actively targeting businesses of all sizes, looking for weak points to exploit.
F12’s latest Cyber Health Risk Report—based on thousands of security assessments across Canada—reveals a troubling trend: most businesses aren’t prepared for today’s cyber threats.
The data highlights major security gaps:
- 94% of businesses aren’t following essential cybersecurity best practices.
- 66% never perform vulnerability scans, leaving systems exposed.
- 70% lack structured cybersecurity training, making employees an easy target.
- Only 34% have an incident response plan, meaning they have no clear strategy for managing an attack.
These vulnerabilities don’t just put data at risk—they can lead to financial loss, operational downtime, and reputational damage.
One of the biggest risks to cybersecurity isn’t sophisticated hackers—it’s everyday mistakes made by employees.
- 88% of security breaches stem from human error.
- 66% of businesses don’t provide password management tools.
- 70% fail to offer ongoing security training.
Without proper security awareness, businesses are leaving the door open for phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.
“We’re Too Small to Be Targeted” – A Costly Misconception
Many business owners assume cybercriminals only go after large corporations. The reality? Attackers prefer easier targets.
Yet, fewer than 8% of business leaders believe they’re at risk. This false sense of security is exactly what cybercriminals count on.
The Cost of Inaction
A cyberattack can bring business operations to a halt—leading to:
- Lost revenue from downtime.
- Regulatory fines for failing to protect sensitive data.
- Reputational damage that erodes customer trust.
Ignoring cybersecurity isn’t just a risk—it’s a financial liability.
How Businesses Are Strengthening Their Cyber Defences with F12
F12 helps Canadian businesses rapidly improve their security posture through:
✅ Cyber Risk Assessments – uncovering vulnerabilities before attackers do.
✅ Security Awareness Training – empowering employees to detect and prevent threats.
✅ Managed Cybersecurity Services – providing continuous protection against evolving risks.
✅ Incident Response Planning – ensuring businesses can recover quickly when an attack happens.
Find Out Where Your Business Stands
Want to know if your business is truly secure? Take the first step today with a free Cyber Health Risk Assessment from F12.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the biggest cybersecurity threats to Canadian businesses?
The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, insider threats, and weak passwords. Attackers are increasingly using social engineering to trick employees into granting access to systems.
2. How often should Canadian businesses perform a cybersecurity risk assessment?
Businesses should conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment at least once a year or whenever significant IT changes occur. Regular vulnerability scans and ongoing monitoring are also recommended.
3. Why do small and mid-sized businesses need cybersecurity if they don’t store sensitive data?
Even if a business doesn’t store financial or customer data, attackers can still exploit its systems to launch attacks, steal intellectual property, or disrupt operations. No business is too small to be targeted.
4. How can Canadian businesses improve cybersecurity awareness among employees?
Cybersecurity training should be ongoing and include topics like how to identify phishing emails, password management, and secure remote work practices. Regular simulated phishing tests can also help reinforce training.
5. What are the first steps to improving cybersecurity for a business?
Start by assessing current risks, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), conducting security awareness training, and having an incident response plan in place. Partnering with a cybersecurity provider like F12 ensures proactive protection.
