Brief: Recent Canadian cyber attacks on critical Canadian institutions—from the RCMP to healthcare networks—demonstrate the increasing vulnerability of essential services. This blog unpacks recent incidents, breaks down Canada’s National Cyber Security Strategy and Bill C-26, and delivers practical recommendations from F12’s 2024 Cyber Security Trends Report. Designed specifically for IT leaders, business owners, and senior executives at Canadian essential services companies, this post will help you strengthen compliance efforts while fostering resilience.
“Compliance may be mandatory, but resilience is a leadership decision.” — Brandon Peter, vCIO, F12
The Current Cyber Reality for Canadian Essential Businesses
In the past six months, Canada’s digital infrastructure has come under repeated attack. From federal agencies to healthcare institutions and manufacturing facilities, adversaries are no longer hypothetical—they are active, evolving, and targeting Canada’s economic and social pillars.
These breaches, coupled with Canada’s newly unveiled National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) and the forthcoming Bill C-26, make one thing clear: leadership teams across Canada must reassess what resilience, trust, and security require in 2025.
At F12, our role is to help you build trust, enhance security, and foster resilience. In this blog, we analyse recent cyber incidents, decode regulatory developments, and offer strategic guidance from our 2024 Cyber Security Trends Report, tailored for Canadian essential services.
1. Recent Canadian Cyber Attacks: What’s at Stake
Case Study 1: The RCMP Data Breach
In February 2025, a cyber attack compromised sensitive systems within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Investigations pointed to a targeted supply chain attack exploiting third-party software vulnerabilities. The consequences included operational disruption, loss of public confidence, and significant remediation costs (Source).
Business Takeaway: If Canada’s national police force can be compromised through its supply chain, your organisation’s vendor relationships require careful evaluation. How well do you assess, monitor, and secure third-party access?
Case Study 2: Healthcare Sector Ransomware Incidents
Several healthcare facilities in Ontario and British Columbia experienced ransomware attacks, leading to patient data theft and system shutdowns (Source). Attackers exploited outdated systems, unpatched endpoints, and staff fatigue, particularly among front-line workers.
Business Takeaway: Cyber Security affects more than IT—it impacts patient care, business continuity, and organisational trust. Every department must be aligned with your cyber resilience strategy.
Case Study 3: Manufacturing & IoT Vulnerabilities
A prominent Canadian manufacturing firm disclosed a breach exposing proprietary production data. Attackers gained entry through vulnerabilities in internet-connected machinery and weak network segmentation (Source).
Business Takeaway: Industry 4.0 technologies introduce new risk vectors. Each connected device extends your attack surface. How secure is your approach to IoT integration?
2. The National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS): Key Elements
Canada’s updated NCSS, released in February 2025, underscores the shared responsibility between public and private sectors (Government of Canada NCSS). It moves beyond passive defence, emphasising systemic resilience.
Relevant Pillars for Businesses:
- Mandatory Incident Reporting: Businesses handling sensitive data may be required to report incidents within strict timeframes.
- Supply Chain Transparency: Clearer frameworks will demand stricter oversight of vendor relationships.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Essential businesses are formally recognised as key contributors to protecting critical infrastructure.
Failure to engage with these principles risks financial penalties, operational disruption, and reputational damage.
3. Bill C-26: Expanding the Compliance Horizon
Bill C-26 introduces compulsory Cyber Security measures for Canada’s critical infrastructure, including telecommunications, finance, energy, transportation, and healthcare sectors (Source). Vendors, service providers, and partners to these industries will also be expected to meet elevated standards.
Key Provisions:
- Mandatory implementation of Cyber Security programs and regular audits.
- Required risk assessments and vulnerability disclosures.
- Powers granted to regulatory bodies to intervene in cyber incidents.
F12’s Perspective:
Delaying preparations until enforcement begins is ill-advised. Businesses that integrate Bill C-26 principles early can differentiate themselves as secure, reliable partners.
4. Insights from F12’s 2024 Cyber Security Trends Report
In our latest report, we identified four prevailing trends shaping the Canadian essential services sector:
Trend 1: Identity-Based Attacks Dominate
Phishing, MFA bypass, and credential stuffing accounted for over 60% of incidents reported by our clients.
Recommended Action: Deploy Identity Threat Detection & Response (ITDR) solutions alongside Zero Trust frameworks. Basic MFA is insufficient.
Trend 2: Supply Chain Attacks Increase
Attackers increasingly exploit smaller vendors to access larger organisations.
Recommended Action: Strengthen third-party risk management protocols and integrate real-time supply chain visibility tools.
Trend 3: AI-Enabled Threats Evolve
Threat actors are weaponising generative AI to craft sophisticated phishing emails and automate reconnaissance.
Recommended Action: Incorporate AI-driven threat detection to counter AI-generated attack methods.
Trend 4: Cyber Insurance Requirements Tighten
Insurance providers are demanding documented Cyber Security programs and stricter compliance before granting coverage.
Recommended Action: Proactively align with NCSS and Bill C-26 standards to maintain coverage eligibility.
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5. Strategic Recommendations for Business Leaders
Where should Canadian essential businesses focus their efforts?
Key Actions:
- Conduct a Board-Level Cyber Risk Review: Ensure leadership understands the business implications of recent Canadian cyber attacks and regulations.
- Re-Evaluate Cyber Security Budgets: Direct investment towards identity protection, vendor risk management, and incident response readiness.
- Implement Regular Incident Response Exercises: Test real-world scenarios involving ransomware, IoT vulnerabilities, and supply chain breaches.
- Begin Compliance Alignment: Start integrating NCSS and Bill C-26 principles now.
- Partner with a Cyber Security-First MSP: F12 is purpose-built to support Canadian essential businesses navigating this regulatory and threat environment.
Elevating Resilience Through Leadership
The recent wave of attacks is a reminder: Cyber Security must evolve from reactive defence to proactive resilience. Your approach today determines how your business withstands tomorrow’s threats.
Contact F12 to schedule your Cyber Security Posture Assessment and fortify your organisation’s resilience.
FAQs
Q1: How soon will Bill C-26 take effect?
A: Timelines for full enforcement are being finalised, but preparation should begin now. Early compliance positions your business favourably.
Q2: Are smaller vendors exempt from NCSS requirements?
A: No. Vendors connected to critical infrastructure will be required to meet new transparency and security expectations.
Q3: How does Cyber Security investment affect cyber insurance?
A: Insurers are increasingly tying premiums and coverage approvals to clear evidence of Cyber Security maturity, including compliance with emerging standards.
