New Standard in Development to Protect Canadian SMEs Against Cyberattacks

EIN cyberattacks SCC 400

Dec 13, 2019

In its effort to protect Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from cyberattacks, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) has engaged CIO Strategy Council to develop a National Standard of Canada for the CyberSecure Canada certification program. 

The work is a result of the 2018 National Cyber Security Strategy(link is external) (NCSS) in which Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), Communications Security Establishment (CSE), and SCC have come together to create a voluntary, recognizable certification to enable SMEs to demonstrate that they meet a baseline set of security practices. 

The NCSS indicated that SMEs often lack the knowledge, technical expertise and resources to implement cyber security regimes, and are not fully aware of their systems’ vulnerabilities. The CyberSecure Canada certification program(link is external), launched in August 2019, lays out a path for businesses to improve cyber resilience and helps participants position their cyber security practices for a more competitive advantage domestically and abroad, while promoting consumer trust in the digital economy. The CyberSecure Canada program is founded upon the Baseline Cyber Security Controls for Small and Medium Organizations (link is external)developed by CSE’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. 

“Canadians should feel confident that their data is safe and their privacy is respected. Through CyberSecure, our government is helping small and medium-sized businesses protect themselves against cyber threats, increase consumer confidence and promote broader trust in the digital economy” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

“Cyberattacks have huge implications for companies, from operations to reputation, which directly impact the Canadian economy,” said Elias Rafoul, SCC’s Vice-President of Accreditation Services. “A National Standard of Canada for cyber security assessment and resiliency means that the Canadian context is incorporated into both the development process and content of the standard to address this critical industry need.” 

The new standard will address security controls such as the development of an incident response plan, automatic patching of operating systems and applications, enable security software, the use of strong authentication, data backups and encryption. The standard will further support the CyberSecure Canada program, and will be low burden, easily accessible, affordable, effective, national in scope, and sector neutral. 

“Our members welcome the opportunity to shape this critical new standard for Canada,” said Jim Balsillie, co-chair of the CIO Strategy Council. “By providing leadership on strong security, practices including compliance, Canadian businesses can advance both their growth and their customer’s expectations for cyber safety.”

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • EFC: The Voice of Standards and Code Development

    EFC: The Voice of Standards and Code Development

    July 30, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) plays a vital role in shaping the regulatory and technical landscape of Canada’s electrical and automation sectors. Through active participation on key strategic and technical committees, EFC represents the collective interests of its members and ensures that the development of standards and codes is informed by… Read More…

  • Bold, Programmable Lighting Upgrade Helps Draw Visitors to Chinook Centre in Calgary

    Bold, Programmable Lighting Upgrade Helps Draw Visitors to Chinook Centre in Calgary

    July 30, 2025 Chinook Centre Can Now Brightly Celebrate Local Events, Holidays & Causes with New Thematic Exterior LED Lighting  The CF Chinook Centre (more commonly known as Chinook Centre) was always destined to be a major destination point for Calgary. Opened in 1965, it is conveniently located near the city center and is only 20 minutes from… Read More…

  • Electrical Devices GFCI Safety Outlet Sold at Home Hardware Recalled due to Fire Hazard

    Electrical Devices GFCI Safety Outlet Sold at Home Hardware Recalled due to Fire Hazard

    July 25, 2025 Product: Electrical Devices GFCI Safety Outlet sold at Home Hardware Issue: Consumer products – Fire hazard What to do: Immediately stop using the recalled products, contact Unison Ridge for instructions on how to uninstall and return them to any Home Hardware store for a refund. This recall involves three white coloured models… Read More…

  • Grounded in Ontario: Episode 18 – Meter Bases – Bonding, Safety, and Section 10 Changes

    Grounded in Ontario: Episode 18 – Meter Bases – Bonding, Safety, and Section 10 Changes

    July 24, 2025 ESA Technical Advisor, Trevor Tremblay, reveals how meter bases can go from  simple to seriously risky if installed incorrectly. As code enforcement around meter bases ramps up, contractors must stay sharp, read all rules carefully (especially those “notwithstanding” clauses), and double-check labeling. With the right education and planning, the transition can be… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    July 24, 2025 BC Hydro is supporting the construction of new housing developments in growing communities by advancing changes to streamline upgrades and reducing the cost of new customer connections to BC Hydro’s electricity grid. “As communities across B.C. grow, so does the need for essential housing. We are committed to ensuring we’re ready to… Read More…

  • Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    July 22, 2025 Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) manufacturer, Mitrex proudly announces that its transformative SunRise Residential project in Edmonton, Alberta, has earned the Guinness World Record for the largest solar panel mural globally. This landmark project showcases Mitrex’s innovative BIPV solar panels, blending cutting-edge solar technology with vibrant cultural artistry to redefine sustainable architecture. Sustainable Architecture with BIPV Spanning over 30,000 square feet, the Mitrex eFacade PRO plus… Read More…

  • Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    July 24, 2025 Nexans has reached a major milestone in its sustainability journey by developing a prototype cable made entirely from recycled materials — a first in the company’s history. This innovation combines technical performance, industrial feasibility, and a drastically reduced environmental footprint, marking a decisive step forward in circular economy. A cross-continental success story… Read More…

  • EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    July 24, 2025 Since 1974, MGM Transformers has produced tough and trusted transformers designed to get the job done right. As a leading manufacturer, the company employs a highly experienced and dedicated engineering team that excels in custom designs. MGM Transformers is committed to excellent quality and service, offering industry-leading lead times and exceptional customer service. MGM Transformers specializes… Read More…