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Cybersecurity: How Canadians are helping to stay safe in a digital-first world

Canadians are more connected than ever — from online banking and shopping to smart devices and remote work. With this digital convenience comes a growing awareness and need for cybersecurity.

Across Canada, individuals and organizations are strengthening their defences and learning how to navigate an online world that’s evolving every day.

At PC® Insurance, we believe that cybersecurity isn’t about fear - it’s about education. Understanding today’s risks is the first step toward helping protect your data and finances.

Cyber threats: What’s changing?
Cyber incidents are becoming more common globally, and Canada is no exception. Due to the nature of cyber crime and how it is constantly evolving, it is more important than ever to ensure you are informed of best practices and security around your digital footprint.

According to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s 2025–2026 National Cyber Threat Assessment, the most frequent threats today include phishing, ransomware, and credential theft - all of which are evolving to appear more legitimate and targeted (Cyber.gc.ca, 2025).

But there’s good news: prevention and detection are improving. The Cyber Centre reported in 2024–2025, 336 potential ransomware attacks were stopped before damage occurred, saving millions in recovery costs (CSE Annual Report 2025).

This shows that Canadians are getting better at identifying and responding to cyber risks.

Everyday impact of cybersecurity
Cybersecurity isn’t just a business issue - it’s part of daily life. From protecting your emails to securing your Wi-Fi, small actions can make a difference.

Individuals
Online scams and phishing attempts are becoming more sophisticated. Canadians report a steady increase in deceptive messages pretending to be from banks, government agencies, and even delivery companies. These scams often ask for personal details or direct users to fake websites.

Simple habits - such as verifying senders, avoiding unfamiliar links, and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) - are now the cornerstone of personal cyber safety.

Small businesses
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are also becoming more aware of cybersecurity risks. In fact, 73% of Canadian small businesses say they’ve experienced a cybersecurity incident, such as phishing or malware (BDC, 2024).

Many Canadian entrepreneurs are now integrating cybersecurity training and cloud backups into their operations.

Emerging trends in cyber protection
The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic, but several positive shifts are taking shape:

  • Smarter technology: New AI tools are helping detect unusual activity faster, helping consumers and companies be aware of potential threats quicker.

  • Government collaboration: Canada’s updated National Cyber Security Strategy promotes stronger information sharing and improved standards across industries (Public Safety Canada, 2025).

  • Cyber awareness education: Public initiatives such as Get Cyber Safe continue to help Canadians recognize scams and protect their digital lives (GetCyberSafe.gc.ca).

How to strengthen your own cybersecurity
Here are a few practical ways to help stay secure:

  1. Use unique passwords for each account and store them in a password manager.

  2. Enable MFA on your key logins - email, social media, and banking apps.

  3. Keep software updated to patch security vulnerabilities.

  4. Back up important files securely in the cloud or on an external drive.

  5. Be cautious with links and attachments, even if they look official. Do not click on them unless you are sure they are from a legitimate source. Look up the company’s email address on the internet or call them.

  6. Talk about cybersecurity - share knowledge with family, friends, and coworkers.

These small habits can help prevent data breaches and identity theft.

Role of cyber insurance
Even with best practices in place, cybersecurity incidents can happen. That’s why more Canadians are buying cyber insurance - a coverage designed to help offset the financial and operational impacts of a digital breach.

A cyber insurance policy may help cover:

  • Computer and home systems attacks

  • Online fraud

  • Data breach

  • Dark web monitoring

  • Cyber extorsion

  • Cyber bullying

  • Data recovery costs

  • Legal and notification expenses

  • Identity restoration support

At PC® Insurance, we offer Canadians personalized coverage options, including cyber insurance, to match their needs.

Looking ahead
Cybersecurity continues to be part of everyday life. Canadians are adapting quickly, learning new skills, and using technology more thoughtfully.

With proactive habits, increased protection, and trusted partners like PC® Insurance, Canadians are better equipped to deal with the realities of the digital world.

Stay secure. Stay informed.
Learn more about how cyber insurance can fit into your coverage plan at pcinsurance.ca.

General information is provided for your reference and interest only. The above content is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on matters of interest and is not a substitute for and should not be construed as the advice of an experienced professional. PC® Insurance does not guarantee the currency, accuracy, applicability or completeness of this content.

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