Cyber threats don’t just target big corporations. In Canada, small and mid-sized businesses are frequent victims of cyberattacks. Many operate without the resources or protections in place to prevent or recover from an incident.
If your business handles client data, processes payments, uses cloud tools, or supports remote work, cybersecurity needs to be a top priority. The good news? You don’t need a large internal IT team to stay protected.
This cybersecurity checklist outlines the practical cybersecurity steps every Canadian business should take to reduce risk, stay compliant, and build long-term resilience.
1. Conduct a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
This is your foundation. A risk assessment helps you identify weak spots in your systems, evaluate threats, and prioritize improvements.
In Canada, assessments also help ensure you’re aligned with privacy requirements under PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) or PHIPA, depending on your industry.
2. Require Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
Cybercriminals often enter through weak passwords. Require unique, complex passwords for all user accounts. Pair this with multi-factor authentication (MFA) to block unauthorized access, even if a password is stolen.
3. Train Your Team
Phishing and social engineering are among the top threats in Canada. Train employees regularly to spot suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
PartnerIT includes phishing simulations and staff training in our All Covered Cybersecurity services.
4. Keep Software and Devices Updated
Apply patches and software updates as soon as they’re available. This includes operating systems, cloud apps, browsers, and antivirus programs. Automate updates where you can.
5. Back Up Your Data and Test It
Ransomware is on the rise. Backups can save your business if files are encrypted or deleted. Store backups offsite or in secure Canadian data centers, and test them regularly to ensure they are functional.
6. Set Role-Based Access
Limit employee access to only the data and systems they need for their role. This reduces the chance of accidental exposure or insider threats.
7. Secure Your Network
Use strong encryption, disable remote access unless needed, and create a separate guest Wi-Fi network. If your team works remotely, ensure they connect through secure VPNs.
8. Build an Incident Response Plan
Cyberattacks move quickly. A response plan ensures your team knows what to do, how to communicate, and who to notify.
Under PIPEDA, Canadian businesses are required to report any breach that poses a real risk of significant harm. Your plan should include compliance steps.
9. Monitor for Threats
Cyber threats don’t wait for business hours. Monitoring tools can detect suspicious activity like failed login attempts or malware infections.
PartnerIT provides 24/7 monitoring as part of our Managed Cybersecurity solutions.
10. Partner With a Canadian Managed Cybersecurity Provider
A local cybersecurity partner understands Canadian threat trends, data privacy laws, and industry-specific compliance. PartnerIT works with businesses across Ontario to provide:
- Continuous threat detection
- Firewall and antivirus management
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Staff training
- Compliance guidance for PIPEDA, PHIPA, and PCI DSS
Build Your Cybersecurity Checklist
Cybersecurity is no longer a side task or something to revisit down the road. It’s a core part of running a responsible, resilient business in Canada. Whether you’re just starting to assess your risks or already have some protections in place, this checklist gives you a practical starting point.
You don’t have to tackle it alone. PartnerIT helps Canadian businesses integrate cybersecurity into their everyday operations, providing the tools, training, and support needed to stay secure and compliant in a constantly evolving threat landscape.
Let’s make sure your business is ready for what’s next. Talk to us about managed cybersecurity and gain confidence knowing your team, data, and reputation are protected.
