Cyberattacks: Why Small Businesses Need to Take Notice

Cyber risk isn’t just an “IT issue” anymore. It’s a business survival issue.

Cyberattacks are more frequent, more sophisticated, and unfortunately, more costly.

And while big companies like Microsoft and Marks & Spencer grab the headlines, small businesses are more likely to be targeted because they often have fewer defences in place.

For Canadian business owners, it’s time to face reality: cybersecurity isn’t optional anymore. It’s a must.

In 2025, Canada has seen a steady rise in ransomware and data breaches, many powered by AI. Hackers are using smart tools to mimic employees, steal data, and even hold systems hostage. And these attacks don’t just cause temporary downtime - they can bring operations, payroll, and customer trust to a halt. I’ve seen it first-hand.

According to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, small and mid-sized businesses make up over half of all reported cyber incidents. Why? Because attackers know these organizations are less likely to have strong protections or dedicated IT teams.

And it’s not just about money. A serious breach can damage your reputation, trigger legal obligations under privacy laws, and cost months of recovery time.

How can you protect your small businesses?

The good news is you don’t need an enterprise-sized budget to strengthen your defences. What you do need is a clear plan.

Start with these essentials:

✅ Train your team.Human error is still the #1 cause of breaches. Teach employees how to recognize phishing attempts, suspicious links, and fake invoices. Ensure that they report anything suspicious. One careless click can open the door to a major problem.

✅ Use strong access controls.Give employees access only to the information they need for their roles. Add two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible - especially for email and payroll systems. And ensure that passwords are changed frequently.

✅ Back up your data.Regularly back up key files and store them securely offline or in the cloud. If ransomware strikes, backups can mean the difference between recovery and disaster.

✅ Keep software up to date.Outdated systems are easy targets. Schedule regular updates and patches for all devices and applications.

✅ Have a response plan.Know what to do if something goes wrong. Who do you contact first? How do you communicate with employees, clients, or regulators? A quick, organized response can limit the damage.

✅ Get the right coverage.Cyber insurance (yup – it’s a thing) can help manage the financial fallout of an attack. But make sure you know what your policy actually covers so don’t skip over the fine print.

So, how is HR connected?

Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech concern - it’s a people issue. HR plays a key role in creating a culture of awareness and accountability. That means:

• Including cybersecurity guidelines in onboarding.

• Updating remote work and technology policies.

• Communicating clearly about employee responsibilities when handling company data.

When your people know what’s expected, and why - it strengthens your overall defence.

Unfortunately, cyberattacks are becoming part of daily business life, and small businesses are no exception. The goal isn’t to eliminate risk entirely (that’s impossible), but to minimize it through awareness, training, and some preparation.

A strong cybersecurity approach protects more than just your data - it protects your reputation, your clients, and of course your bottom line.

👉 Need help building a people-first cybersecurity plan for your small business? Let’s chat.