The State of Cybersecurity in Canada 2025 report, published by the Canadian Cybersecurity Network (CCN) and the Security Architecture Podcast, delivers an in-depth analysis of the evolving threat landscape, emerging risks, and strategic recommendations for Canadian organizations. This year's report underscores the urgency of bolstering national cybersecurity resilience in response to escalating attacks, regulatory shifts, and a persistent talent gap.
According to the report's introduction, authored by Francois Guay, Evgeniy Kharam, and Dimitry Raidman: "The State of Cybersecurity Report in Canada 2025 serves as both an informative resource and a rallying cry for Canadian leaders. It challenges them to address cybersecurity not just as a challenge but as a driver of growth and innovation. It is also a celebration of Canadian thought leadership on very important business and technology topics that are directly impacting Canadians quality of life as well as their pocketbooks."
1. Ransomware and state-sponsored attacks continue to escalate
Canada's critical sectors—including healthcare, energy, education, and retail—have become prime targets for cybercriminals.
Ransomware is no longer an "if" but a "when," making proactive defense strategies essential.
Nation-state actors from China, Russia, and Iran are leveraging Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) for espionage and infrastructure sabotage.
2. Supply chain and cloud misconfigurations are weak links
82% of breaches stem from IoT and cloud misconfigurations, exposing businesses to cascading failures.
Unsecured third-party software and dependencies amplify risks across industries.
Organizations must adopt Zero-Trust principles and continuous monitoring to mitigate third-party vulnerabilities.
3. AI, a double-edged sword
AI-driven cybersecurity tools enhance threat detection but also empower attackers with sophisticated social engineering, deepfake campaigns, and automated exploits.
Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) is gaining traction to counter AI-enabled identity fraud.
4. The talent crisis is weakening national cyber defenses
Canada faces a cybersecurity workforce deficit of 10,000 to 25,000 roles, threatening economic stability and security.
Mid-career transitions and upskilling programs are critical to bridging this gap.
5. Sector-specific challenges
1. Invest in proactive defense measures
Implement extended detection and response (XDR) and real-time threat intelligence to combat ransomware.
Strengthen Identity and Access Management (IAM) to minimize cloud misconfigurations.
2. Enhance third-party risk management
Require comprehensive security assessments for vendors and software providers.
Leverage cyber insurance to mitigate financial risks associated with supply chain attacks.
3. Address the talent shortage with focused initiatives
Expand government incentives for cybersecurity education and mid-career training.
Encourage organizations to offer apprenticeships and upskilling programs.
4. Strengthen public-private collaboration
Adopt a National Cyber Defense Collaborative similar to the U.S. Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC).
Foster cross-sector information sharing to improve national cyber resilience.
As cyber threats grow in complexity, Canadian organizations must shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity strategies. Whether through AI-driven defenses, stronger supply chain security, or workforce development, a unified, strategic approach is necessary to safeguard Canada's digital economy.
To read the full State of Cybersecurity in Canada 2025 report, fill out the form on the CCN website.
To network and learn with security professionals across Ontario, attend the SecureWorld Toronto conference on April 8, 2025. See the agenda here.