The digitization of our world comes with many benefits, especially for businesses. However, our acceleration in technological advancements has also increased the prevalence and impact of cybercrime. As our systems continue to become more intricate and powerful, so do the tools that cybercriminals develop. It is vital for business owners to adapt to this changing landscape and prioritize cybersecurity in the workplace.
In 2026, global tensions have only intensified these threats. To add to the alarming rise of fraud rings on the dark web, state-sponsored cybercrime has become a powerful weapon in an unstable and violent geopolitical landscape. This is not just a concern for large corporations, but for all Canadian employers, including small business owners. A 2024 survey by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) found that up to 73% of small businesses have already faced a cybersecurity threat. The consequences of these incidents range from operational disruptions, financial loss, to reputational damage.
Artificial Intelligence
In the last couple of years, AI has reshaped the playing field for cybersecurity. A tug-of-war has persisted between the development of sophisticated fraud tools and advancing the security measures needed to stop them. Malicious AI services can be sold as out-of-the-box products, making scamming attempts easier and more accessible. One of the most concerning AI functionalities is its ability to replicate someone we know, such as our colleagues or employer. These tools can quickly locate and analyze large amounts of information, such as your social media, to target you in a highly personalized way.
Additionally, it is critical to remember that AI is a rapidly growing technology and some aspects are still not fully understood. Markets promote Generative AI as being a valuable and trusted resource to professionals, and they give the illusion of privacy as being closed chatrooms. However, they are far more vulnerable than they appear. Even since the start of 2026, AI vulnerabilities have resulted in data leaks with AI mobile apps and big names such as Meta.
Protecting Yourself Against Cyberthreats
With the increasing cause for concern, it’s important to remember that cyberattacks often require the accidental cooperation of their victims. In addition to educating ourselves about evolving cyberthreats, there are steps we can take to help protect ourselves and our workplaces.
Use caution when working with AI tools.
The best protection around AI in the workplace is to stay vigilant about the information fed into these tools. Never enter confidential data into an AI service that has not been approved by your company (referred to as “Shadow AI”). The services included in your organization’s infrastructure (i.e., Microsoft Copilot) include different levels of protection as opposed to alternatives, such as ChatGPT.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication.
The use of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has moved from optional to being a mandatory measure in protecting your information. Most online platforms offer an additional security step when logging in to send a code to your phone or through an authentication app. This can also involve the use of biometrics, such as the use of fingerprints or facial identification.
Use complex, randomized passwords.
Reusing the same password for many websites over many years creates a web of risk. Your passwords should be unique and as randomized as possible – “John34” doesn’t cut it! It can be worth using paid services such as a password management tool or a Single Sign On (SSO) to enhance security around your credentials.
Keep your devices and software updated.
We have all been guilty of putting off computer updates during busier days. However, some of the easiest targets are older devices that don’t have proper security updates applied. Making sure you run all updates to devices and software is an easy and vital step to ensure there are less technological vulnerabilities.
Ensure data is backed up.
Keeping your company information backed up minimizes the potential impact of ransomware, a type of malicious software that locks data until the victim pays a ransom. It is recommended to do this using an off-site system that continuously updates new versions, such as a cloud-based system.
Identify scamming behavior.
Some phishing attempts these days are sophisticated enough to look indistinguishable from genuine communication, but there are behavioral approaches we can use to stay vigilant.
If you receive an email or text that makes you even a little bit suspicious, trust your gut! Take an extra minute or two to investigate and ask the following questions:
- Is there a suspicious attachment or link? Before clicking on any attachments or links, even if they appear safe, it’s important to check through the email to ensure it is from a trustworthy source.
- Is it urgent? Oftentimes, scammers will use urgency to grab your attention and react without thinking.
- What information is it asking for? Be cautious of any correspondence that requests sensitive or confidential information, especially if it’s unexpected.
- Who is it from? For email phishing, it’s a common practice for bad actors to use an email address that’s almost correct, so much so that it goes unnoticed. Emails can also appear correct but have an altered domain name. Always double check the information about the sender.
- Are there inconsistencies? If the correspondence is posing as someone you know, does their writing align with how they would normally write? It can also be suspicious if the greeting is unusual or does not reference your name.
- Are there spelling errors? Some phishing attempts have typos that are easy to spot, especially if the message is supposed to come from a professional source, like a banking institution.
If you receive a suspicious email that you’re unsure of whether it is phishing, it’s good practice to contact the person or institution to verify if it’s legitimate. For example, if you receive an email from a business partner that asks urgently for financial information, call them directly and ask.
If you receive correspondence that you are certain is a scam or phishing attempt, alert your IT department and give them the details immediately. You should also alert your direct team in case they were also targeted.
Issue a cybersecurity policy and training.
It is good practice for business owners to help protect their organization from cyberthreats by developing a cybersecurity policy. This can include information such as:
- Procedures for how to handle sensitive or confidential information online
- How to identify potential threats
- How to respond to cyberattacks
- The proper use of workplace technology
- Requirements for setting up and maintaining passwords
- Requirement for multi-factor authentication
It is also beneficial for employees to routinely undergo cybersecurity training. These programs can help educate team members on what different cyberthreats may look like as well as simulate phishing attempts.
Consult IT professionals for risk assessments.
There is strong value in hiring experts to run risk assessments for your company. This can help identify vulnerabilities you were not aware of, provide recommendations, and implement critical safety measures.
Resources
For more information about different types of threats and how to protect yourself from scams and fraud, see the resources below: