Brief: Key takeaways from Calvin Engen’s Financial Post Feature Cyber Security isn’t a “big business” problem anymore. That’s the message our CTO, Calvin Engen, delivered loud and clear in his recent feature in the Financial Post. And it’s a message that every essential small and medium-sized business (SME) in Canada—particularly those in manufacturing, professional services, and healthcare—needs to hear.
At F12 we’ve seen first-hand how the evolving Cyber Security threat landscape is leaving SMEs exposed. Calvin’s article pulls back the curtain on why SMEs are now prime targets and, crucially, how they can bolster their defences before it’s too late.
Why Are SMEs Being Targeted?
A common misconception persists across Canadian essential businesses: that Cyber Security breaches only impact large enterprises with deep pockets and high public profiles.
But here’s the reality Calvin outlines:
-
SMEs are perceived as low-hanging fruit. Attackers know these businesses often have fewer resources dedicated to Cyber Security, making them easier to exploit.
-
Critical industries are particularly attractive. Manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services form the backbone of Canada’s economy—and cybercriminals understand how critical uptime, supply chains, and compliance are to their survival.
-
The interconnectedness factor. SMEs are frequently part of larger supply chains, serving bigger players. Compromising an SME often opens doors to attacking upstream or downstream partners.
The Consequences: Not “If”, But “When”
Cyber incidents don’t discriminate. Ransomware attacks, Business Email Compromise (BEC), phishing campaigns, and even deepfake social engineering tactics are being deployed against SMEs with devastating effect.
What’s at risk:
- Operational downtime that halts production lines or compromises patient care.
- Financial losses not just from ransom demands, but from recovery costs, regulatory fines, and lost business.
- Reputational damage, eroding client trust and future opportunities.
Simply put: no essential SME can afford to ignore the threat anymore.
Actionable Steps: Building Cyber Resilience
Calvin doesn’t stop at highlighting the problem—he offers clear, actionable steps SMEs must take to harden their Cyber Security posture:
-
Adopt a Zero Trust Approach. Assume every device, user, and connection could be compromised until verified.
-
Invest in Continuous Cyber Security Awareness Training. Human error remains the leading cause of breaches; regular staff education is non-negotiable.
-
Deploy Advanced Security Technologies. Tools like Extended Detection & Response (XDR) and robust endpoint protection are no longer optional.
-
Secure Third-Party Relationships. SMEs must ensure their vendors and partners follow stringent Cyber Security protocols to avoid supply chain vulnerabilities.
-
Have a Tested Incident Response Plan. It’s not enough to hope for the best—businesses need a well-rehearsed plan to respond decisively when an attack hits.
F12’s Commitment to Protecting Canada’s Essential Businesses
As Calvin highlighted in the Financial Post, Canadian SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy. But that also makes them attractive targets.
At F12.net, we’ve built our services specifically for essential businesses—those who cannot afford downtime, who operate in regulated industries, and who face complex security challenges every day. Our goal is simple: to help you build trust, enhance security, and foster resilience, so you can focus on driving Canada’s economy forward.
Further Reading:
→ Read Calvin Engen’s full article in the Financial Post here
→ Interested in a Cyber Security Risk Assessment tailored to your business? Let’s talk.
