A Quick Overview
With each passing year, Canada’s cyber threat landscape grows more complex, posing unique challenges for individuals and organizations alike. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recently released its National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026 (NCTA 2025-2026), providing insight into the types of threats Canada can expect and how they may impact us all. The report is especially important for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) that often face resource challenges when tackling cybersecurity. These insights help guide organizations in building resilience and shaping their security priorities in an evolving digital world.
As a managed service provider (MSP), we’re here to give a quick overview of the key takeaways, especially in how outsourced IT support can enhance your business’s security posture. By understanding these threats, you’ll be better equipped to protect your organization from today’s most pressing risks.
Understanding the Threat Landscape
The NCTA 2025-2026 report reveals that Canada is increasingly targeted by a range of malicious actors with varying motivations and capabilities. Among the report’s findings, two primary threats stand out:
- State-Sponsored Threats: State-sponsored actors are becoming more aggressive, moving beyond intelligence gathering and stepping into disruptive activities designed to shape public opinion or destabilize national security. These activities often coincide with strategic interests, particularly in areas like infrastructure and public sectors that hold national significance. For businesses, this means that vulnerabilities in infrastructure and proprietary systems could be exploited by highly skilled adversaries with access to substantial resources.
- Cybercrime’s Continued Growth: The report highlights that cybercrime is pervasive and impacts virtually all sectors. Ransomware remains the top threat, particularly for critical infrastructure and small businesses. The rise of "Cybercrime-as-a-Service" allows cybercriminals to rent or buy tools, reducing the technical expertise needed to carry out attacks. For SMBs, this trend underscores the need for proactive security measures, as cybercriminals can easily gain access to tools that once required advanced skills.
Key Trends Shaping Cyber Threats
Several trends identified by the Cyber Centre are likely to shape the cybersecurity landscape through 2026, impacting both SMBs and larger enterprises. Here are two that stood out to us the most:
- AI’s Role in Amplifying Threats: Artificial intelligence (AI) brings both innovation and risk. While it powers tools for threat detection, it also allows attackers to launch more complex and targeted campaigns. With AI-driven tactics, cybercriminals can automate attacks, conduct social engineering at scale, and potentially even outpace traditional cybersecurity defenses.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Global political dynamics are driving cyber activity from both state and non-state actors. As tensions rise, there’s a heightened risk that businesses may be indirectly impacted by cyberattacks related to these conflicts, especially if they’re part of larger supply chains or work with foreign entities. This makes robust cybersecurity a must-have for any SMB with international partnerships.
Canada’s Response
In response to the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, the Canadian government has made cybersecurity a top priority, recognizing the critical need for a robust defense strategy. To that end, it has allocated nearly $1 billion to strengthen national cyber operations, a significant investment aimed at enhancing our capabilities to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber incidents. This funding will support various initiatives, including the development of advanced cybersecurity technologies, training programs for cybersecurity professionals, and increased collaboration with international partners to share intelligence and best practices.
This commitment to national security is further underscored by the establishment of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Cyber Command. This new entity aims to unify Canada’s cyber defense efforts by coordinating resources and strategies across various government agencies and military branches. The Cyber Command plays a pivotal role in protecting critical infrastructure, supporting civil authorities during cyber incidents, and conducting operations to deter and respond to cyber threats effectively.
How We Can Help
At Empyrion Technologies Inc., we focus on safeguarding our clients in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape. By partnering with us, you will access a suite of advanced cybersecurity tools and proactive monitoring services designed to protect your business.
Our experienced team stays updated on emerging risks and industry best practices, equipping you with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively secure your organization. Together, we can establish a strong security framework that addresses risks and enhances resilience in today’s dynamic digital environment.
