Don’t Leave Your Business Exposed: Cyber Risks Are Rising for Canadian Entrepreneurs

Bringing a small business dream to life is no small feat. From boutique retail stores to family-run restaurants to professional service providers, entrepreneurs across Canada pour their time, resources, and passion into making their vision a reality. With so much invested, it seems only natural to want to protect that hard work. Yet many small business owners still underestimate the risks that could jeopardize their operations, especially when it comes to cyber threats.

Recent findings from the Business Development Bank of Canada reveal a troubling trend. While 73% of small Canadian businesses have already faced a cybersecurity incident, more than half 52% do not have a plan in place to respond. This means that even though attacks are happening with increasing frequency, preparation remains alarmingly low. For a small business, even one incident can be devastating, leading to operational downtime, financial loss, and reputational damage.

Cyber criminals are not just going after large enterprises with big budgets. In fact, small and midsize businesses are often seen as easier targets because they lack the robust protections of larger organizations. For hackers, a vulnerable network is an open door, regardless of company size. Unfortunately, many small business owners continue to believe they are “too small” to be a target a costly misconception.

Cybersecurity must be seen as essential protection, just like insurance. Business owners wouldn’t think twice about insuring their property or inventory, yet digital assets, customer data, and online systems are often left exposed. Given the increasing reliance on technology for daily operations, this gap is becoming more dangerous by the day.

This is where proactive solutions come into play. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) like Directpath Global Technologies (DGT) are helping Canadian organizations strengthen their defenses with advanced yet accessible services. DGT offers a wide range of protection, including Mobile Threat Defense (MTD), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), System and Organization Controls Type 2 (SOC2) compliance, Vulnerability Risk Management as a Service (VRMaaS), Web Application Firewall (WAF), and vCISO advisory services. What makes DGT stand out is its advanced Artificial Intelligence Division, which tailors solutions not just for cybersecurity, but also to optimize broader business operations.

For small businesses, the goal isn’t just about buying tools it’s about creating resilience. Having a plan in place, backed by expert support, ensures that when not if a cyber incident happens, your business can respond effectively and continue moving forward.

Canadian entrepreneurs have always shown remarkable creativity and determination. Protecting that passion means recognizing cybersecurity as a necessity, not an afterthought. The risks are real, and preparation today could make all the difference tomorrow. Source: Toronto Star