73% of Canadian SMEs Already Victims of Cyberattacks: Urgent Webinar to Address Growing Threat
TORONTO, ON – October 17, 2024 – A chilling statistic has emerged, revealing that a massive 73% of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have already been targeted by a cyberattack. This alarming figure, released today, underscores the escalating urgency for businesses of all sizes to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. It’s no longer a question of *if* but *when* an attack will occur, and preparation is paramount. This is breaking news that demands immediate attention from Canadian business owners and IT leaders.
The Rising Tide of Cyber Threats Targeting Canadian Businesses
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has consistently warned of increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber threats. However, the sheer scale of impact on SMEs – the backbone of the Canadian economy – is particularly concerning. Unlike large corporations with dedicated security teams and substantial budgets, SMEs often lack the resources and expertise to effectively defend against increasingly complex attacks like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. These attacks aren’t just about financial loss; they can cripple operations, damage reputations, and erode customer trust.
“For too long, SMEs have operated under the false assumption that they’re too small to be targeted,” explains Guillaume Caron, President and CEO of VARS, a subsidiary of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. “Cybercriminals don’t discriminate based on size. In fact, SMEs are often seen as easier targets due to their typically weaker security postures.”
VARS Webinar: Cybersecurity in 2025 – A Proactive Approach
To address this critical need, VARS is hosting its fourth annual cybersecurity webinar on October 22nd at 11:00 AM EST. This isn’t just another technical deep-dive; it’s a strategic briefing designed to equip business leaders with actionable intelligence and practical protection measures. The webinar, titled “Cybersecurity in 2025,” will feature a panel of leading cybersecurity experts, including:
- Guillaume Caron – President and CEO, VARS
- Maxime Boutin – Co-founder and TO Security Leader
- Francois Caron – Expert in Cybersecurity and Incident Response
What You’ll Learn: Key Webinar Takeaways
The webinar will delve into several crucial areas, providing a comprehensive overview of the current and future cybersecurity landscape:
- Major Trends & Statistics: Understanding the latest data on cyber threats and their impact on Canadian businesses.
- Threats to All Organizations: Identifying the common attack vectors targeting both SMEs and large enterprises.
- Concrete Protection Measures: Implementing practical steps to strengthen your defenses, from employee training to robust security software.
- Operational Technology (OT) Security: Addressing the unique vulnerabilities of industrial control systems and critical infrastructure.
- Incident Response Planning: Developing a plan to effectively respond to and recover from a cyberattack.
A key focus will be on preparing for the cybersecurity challenges anticipated in 2025, including the increasing use of AI-powered attacks and the growing complexity of cloud environments. The experts will also discuss the importance of proactive threat hunting and vulnerability management.
Don’t Miss Out: Secure Your Spot Today
Protecting your business from cyber threats is no longer optional – it’s essential for survival. Even if you can’t attend the live webinar, registration is highly encouraged. Attendees will receive access to valuable resources, including the webinar replay, ensuring you don’t miss out on this critical information. Register for the webinar here. Staying informed and taking proactive steps is the best defense against the ever-evolving threat landscape. The future of your business may depend on it.
