Companies see different cyber attacks every week from phishing attacks employees, to malicious files. Staff who are working from home face an increased risk of attacks due to unprotected internet and security networks. It’s also difficult to keep an eye on everyone and be able to assist staff right away. Studies have shown that companies are not taking cybersecurity as seriously as they should be although the mindset has begun to change. For remote workers, the challenge arises when companies are not able to provide their own computers, or additional security measures which is why it is important for companies to set up a VPN.
Despite an increase of cyber attacks and cybersecurity issues, many Canadian companies are decreasing their IT funding to put money towards operational expenses found a survey by NOVIPRO.
AI initiatives that companies wanted to implement have also been put aside. However, for those who have started implementing AI in their company, 87% say they are getting benefits from it.
“The figures are alarming, especially because only two in five businesses feel they are very well protected against data loss or theft, intrusions and viruses,” says Dominique Derrier, chief information security officer at NOVIPRO and president of Metropolitan Montreal Security and Computer Association. “With telework booming, businesses would do well to invest in security, and do it soon.”
Since COVID-19, attacks on the healthcare industry have risen. The industry holds private, confidential information of people as well as medical knowledge. For example, last year, a hospital in Colorado was unable to access 5 years worth of patient information after a cyber attack. Educating and spreading awareness in the healthcare field to doctors, nurses, and all staff is crucial during this time as data and information on the vaccines are being inputted into systems.