Introduction to the Growing Threat of Cyber Attacks on Canadian Businesses
In an increasingly digital world, cyber threats are becoming a common concern for businesses around the globe. Unfortunately, Canadian businesses are no exception. With small businesses making up 97.9% of all employer businesses in Canada, the potential risk of cyber attacks poses a significant threat to the country’s economy. This blog post will explore the best practices to help your Canadian business from cyber attack, providing valuable insights and actionable tips to safeguard your enterprise. In this blog, we will go over some Cyber Attack Samples to help safeguard your Canadian business.
The Invisible Enemy
Cyber attacks can have devastating effects on businesses, from financial losses to damaged reputations. Understanding the growing threat landscape is essential for Canadian business owners who want to protect their assets and ensure the longevity of their operations. This post will cover a range of topics, including common cyber threats, best practices for securing your business, regulatory compliance, and real-life case studies of businesses that have successfully navigated cyber threats.
Common Cyber attack samples of how Hackers try to hack you:
1. FB/IG notification and warnings come directly from Facebook Support and NOT a person. Here is an example:

2. FB/IG Emails come directly from support.facebook.com not a personal email. Here is an example:

FB/IG sales will only contact you via phone call and will mention your name, business name, and your current ADS/PAGE ID to verify they are real. If they have to “ask” you for these information. They are most likely highjackers.

Spam Emails: Here are a few best practices on how to “lower” down your spam emails though!
1. DO NOT OPEN spam emails if you think that they are spam. (they contain trackers that track if you open your emails which means the bots will then resend you more emails because you opened them!!)
2. Like point #1. DO NOT UNSUBSCRIBE on their spam. This will essentially verify their bots that you are a legit email address holder and will use other accounts to spam you.
3. Block spam directly by using email blocking feature (avaialble for google and outlook only).
Here is the link to learn how for outlook users.
Here is the link to learn how for google users.
Enhancing Cybersecurity Though Proper Authentication. :
Passwords: I recommend having a 13 character password with numbers, upper+lower case letters and symbols. Here is a photo from hive systems showing why you should have a long password. The picture is an estimation on how long it takes to hack / guess a password.

2 Factor Authentication: They are annoying… but turn them on!
Remembering passwords: Personally, I use mcaffee’s password manager as I only have to remember one very long password (for mcafee) then auto generate a strong password for everything else. Here is a link to learn more.
Sending using your own email.
I received this email from apparently “me” but I know for sure it’s fake.

How did I spot that this is fake?
If the email was sent by me, it will say “signed by” or “mailed-by” the domain that sent it. For example, this sample below matches the domain “from” and “mailed by” which is both konnectme.ca

Fake Facebook Pages.
Facebook Hijackers are getting better everyday and this particular page looks almost like facebook. One you log in here, it will ask for your account details and will be sent to the hacker.

How did I spot that this is fake?
If you look at the domain, it is not from facebook but some website called “resonant”. This is a landing page and it is not facebook.com, so please do not log in.

Fake Facebook Notification
Here is a REAL facebook.com page but is actually made from hackers to steal your information. Once someone tags you here, or shares this link to you. It may look like a notification but it is not.

How did I spot that this is fake?
First off, this is a “post” that is posted on a facebook page called “facebook copyright violation”
2nd, facebook would never redirect you to a “weird” URL such as “pages.dev”.
3rd, facebook pages and emails will always end with “facebook.com”
Fake “facebook help center”
This is by far the scariest one. If you look at the photo below, It looks like a “real” website because it looks like it is dedicated to helping its users but in reality, this website is made to capture your information by making you “verify” your account.

How did I spot this is fake?
1. First off, the domain is already off.. It is not facebook.com

2. The real domain for facebook support are:


Notice how they both end with “facebook.com?”
3. Lastly, if you are on facebook.com, it will never ask you to log in and specify your “details” because facebook should already know your details.
Common Cyber Threats Faced by Small Businesses in Canada
Phishing Attacks
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent threats facing Canadian businesses. These attacks typically involve malicious actors posing as trustworthy entities to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data. Phishing emails often appear legitimate, making them difficult to detect without proper training.
Ransomware
Ransomware is another significant cyber threat. This type of malware encrypts the victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. For small businesses, paying the ransom may seem like the only option to recover their data, but there is no guarantee that the attackers will honor their end of the deal.
Insider Threats
Insider threats involve employees or contractors who misuse their access to company systems and data. Insider threats can be intentional, such as stealing data for financial gain, or unintentional, such as accidentally leaking sensitive information.
Best Practices for Securing Your Business Against Cyber Attacks
Regular Software Updates
Keeping your software and systems up to date is critical for protecting your business from cyber threats. Software developers regularly release updates to patch security vulnerabilities and improve overall performance. Ensure that all software, including operating systems, applications, and antivirus programs, are updated regularly.
Employee Training
Your employees are your first line of defense against cyber attacks. Providing regular cybersecurity training can help employees recognize potential threats and respond appropriately. Training should cover topics like identifying phishing emails, using strong passwords, and following cybersecurity best practices.
Implementing Strong Password Policies
Strong passwords are a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity. Encourage employees to create complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, implement policies requiring regular password changes and discourage the use of easily guessable passwords.
Canadian Cybersecurity Regulations and Compliance
Understanding PIPEDA
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is a key piece of Canadian legislation that governs how businesses collect, use, and disclose personal information. Compliance with PIPEDA is essential for protecting customer data and avoiding legal repercussions.
Mandatory Breach Reporting
In November 2018, amendments to PIPEDA introduced mandatory breach reporting requirements. Businesses are now required to report any breaches of security safeguards involving personal information that pose a real risk of significant harm to individuals. Understanding and complying with these requirements is crucial for maintaining trust and transparency with your customers.
Industry-Specific Regulations
Certain industries, such as finance and healthcare, have additional cybersecurity regulations. It’s essential to stay informed about industry-specific requirements and ensure that your business complies with all relevant laws and guidelines.
Case Studies of Canadian Businesses Navigating Cyber Threats
Example 1: A Small Retail Business
A small retail business in Toronto faced a ransomware attack that encrypted their customer database. By following best practices, such as regular backups and employee training, they were able to restore their data without paying the ransom. Their proactive approach to cybersecurity helped them recover quickly and minimize the impact on their operations.
Example 2: A Tech Startup
A tech startup in Vancouver experienced a phishing attack that compromised several employee email accounts. Thanks to their comprehensive training program and robust incident response plan, the startup was able to identify the breach quickly, mitigate the damage, and prevent further unauthorized access.
Example 3: A Financial Services Firm
A financial services firm in Montreal faced an insider threat when an employee attempted to steal sensitive client information. The firm had implemented strong access controls and monitoring systems, which allowed them to detect the suspicious activity and take swift action to protect their clients’ data.
- Real Estate Agents (Sales System, Marketing, Business procedures and Technology)
- Auto Repair Shops (Marketing, Technology and Business procedures)
- Doctors (Marketing and Staff Efficiency)
- Fitness Studios (Sales System, Marketing, Business procedures and Technology)
Shield Your Business from Cyber Attacks with These Best Practices
Cybersecurity is a critical concern for Canadian businesses of all sizes. By understanding the common threats and implementing best practices, you can protect your business from potential cyber attacks. Regular software updates, employee training, strong password policies, and compliance with Canadian regulations are essential components of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Learn from the experiences of other businesses and stay proactive in safeguarding your enterprise.
Assess your current cybersecurity measures today and take steps to protect your business from cyber threats. For personalized guidance and support, consider reaching out to Konnectme Consulting Services. Our team of experts can help you fortify your defenses and ensure the long-term security of your business.
Invest in your business’s future today with Konnectme Consulting Services. Let’s work together to achieve your marketing goals and take your business to new heights.