Cybersecurity is a major global concern as technology improves connectedness, furthering opportunities for both digital growth and malicious attacks. New research shows that most Canadians see cybercrime as a threat to the overall country, and they aren’t wrong. However, despite the fact that Canadians are concerned about cyberscurity and view cybercrime as an internal threat greater than other global challenges, such as terrorism and human trafficking, few people trust that the people who have access to their data are doing everything they can to mitigate risk.

The public wants to trust technology.

As technology becomes an integral part of our lives, there is growing concern that protection against cyber criminals is not what it should be. There are data breaches virtually every day, with businesses frequently coming forward to admit that private data has been lost. This impacts millions within the country, exposing citizens to risk of identity theft, damaging the economy, and confirming that cybersecurity is more important than ever. The trust erosion is significant.

Who is responsible for preventing cybercrime?

Should cybersecurity be a government-mandated industry? Legislation like GDPR holds businesses more accountable when in possession of private data and offers citizens more rights in regard to their private information. In Alberta, medical and dental practices are required to comply with the Health Information Act and submit a Privacy Impact Assessment. However, in many ways, cybersecurity is treated as an isolated risk, as if a data breach on a single device is not capable of affecting overall society. Unfortunately, that is not the case. A single click by one employee could crash an organization’s entire infrastructure, or one home device could grant access to financial networks. Cybersecurity is a societal concern and Canadians are noticing.

Why is cybersecurity important to individual citizens?

A strong cybersecurity strategy prevents more than financial loss for small-, medium-, and large-sized businesses. Once privacy and trust are lost, they are difficult, if not impossible, to regain. Identity theft could damage an individual’s life permanently, and family-owned businesses could face bankruptcy in the event of a data breach. By impressing the importance of cybersecurity upon individual citizens, the risk of cybercrime can be reduced across the board. By adopting best cybersecurity practices in personal and professional realms, prevention simply becomes a way of life. Like buckling up before you put your car in drive, the government can establish cybersecurity programs that promote good habits that will mitigate risk.

Cybersecurity is essential to the entire country.

Managed service providers can assist businesses in establishing the best strategy for their needs, and individuals can be more mindful of how they use technology. The role that authorities will play has yet to be determined, because cybercrime is continuously evolving. Eventually, legislation will have to be implemented to help both businesses and individuals protect their private information, and everyone will need to be mindful of how technology advances.

The ITeam understands the cybersecurity issues facing Canada businesses. We are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk, maximize efficiency, and build trust with Canadian citizens. Contact us to learn more.