
These start with basics (inventory hardware and software assets assess potential threats develop an incident response plan) to the technical (install and securely configure anti-virus/ anti-malware software as well as firewalls, change administrative passwords, use multi-factor authentication have a data backup and encryption policy).

To achieve certification, an organization has to prove that it is capable of implementing specific security controls. According to, which is overseen by Public Safety Canada, 71% of data breaches happen to small businesses. The program is tailored specifically for SMBs (up to 499 employees) because they have fewer IT resources, and they account for a significant number of data breaches. They will also be listed in a searchable registry available for consumers and partners.Ĭompanies that meet the new security standards are entitled to use this logo on websites and promotional material attesting that they have met the standard. Those that pass are entitled to use a logo on websites and promotional material attesting that they have met the standard. The CyberSecure Canada program allows organizations to prove to a certification body approved by the Standards Council of Canada that they meet certain minimum standards.

The federal government finally launched the cybersecurity certification for small and mid-sized businesses in hopes of increasing the attention small and midsize Businesses (SMBs) pay to cybersecurity as well as increasing the confidence of online shoppers who buy from Canadian sites. Cyber-Secure Canada Certification Program The strategy is to create an approach that is adaptable to the continuously changing cyber landscape. These measures were to build upon the previous budgets that are now heavily focused on the comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy which totals close to $1 billion. This past March, the government released its 2019 budget plan which has introduced various measures focusing on improving cyber security. The New Cyber-Secure Canada Certification ProgramĪccording to the honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Canadian government, cybercrime in Canada is responsible for more than $3 billion in economic losses each year.Īs more organizations are taking the initiative to mitigate their own risk levels by hiring qualified security specialists to perform security assessments, the Government of Canada has created a comprehensive cyber review augmenting insights gained from experts and key stakeholders in both the private and public sectors.
