February 13, 2025
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Cybercrime is no longer just a problem for large corporations. Every day, Canadian businesses—especially small and local ones—are being targeted by hackers, ransomware gangs, and fraudsters. And the worst part? Many business owners don’t realise they’ve been compromised until it’s too late.
If you run a business in DUKE Heights, you might think you’re flying under the radar. But here’s the reality: cybercriminals aren’t looking for big businesses. They’re looking for easy targets.
Local Businesses are the New Favourite Target
Hackers know that small and medium-sized businesses often don’t have dedicated IT security teams or strong protections in place. That’s why cyberattacks against smaller companies have surged in the past few years.
- 60% of Canadian small and mid-sized businesses experience a cyberattack annually.
- Ransomware attacks on Canadian businesses have jumped by 150% in the last two years.
- 75% of businesses hit by ransomware are forced to close within six months.
These aren’t just numbers—they represent real businesses that suffered devastating losses.
In one case, a small Toronto-based retailer was tricked into wiring $80,000 to a fraudulent account after receiving an email that appeared to be from their supplier. The email looked legitimate, and by the time they realised the scam, the money was gone. Insurance didn’t cover the loss, and the business struggled to recover.
This could happen to any business. If your employees aren’t trained to spot phishing emails, if your systems aren’t patched regularly, or if your passwords aren’t secure, you’re a prime target—whether you realise it or not.
What’s the Risk?
Cyberattacks don’t just cause financial losses. They also lead to:
- Business Disruptions: Imagine being locked out of your own systems for days or weeks, unable to serve customers.
- Reputational Damage: Customers won’t trust a business that exposes their personal information.
- Legal and Compliance Issues: A data breach can result in regulatory fines and lawsuits.
Many businesses assume they’re secure simply because they haven’t been attacked yet. That’s exactly what cybercriminals want you to think.
Are You at Risk? Let’s Find Out.
The good news? Protecting your business doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—but you need to take action before it’s too late.
F12.net, a leading IT and cyber security provider for Canadian businesses, is offering a FREE Cyber Health Assessment to help businesses in the DUKE Heights community identify vulnerabilities before hackers do.
This no-obligation assessment will:
- Scan your network for security gaps that could be exploited.
- Identify weaknesses in passwords, email security, and access controls.
- Provide a risk score so you understand your business’s cyber resilience.
Give you a step-by-step action plan to fix vulnerabilities before they become a problem.
If you’ve never had a cyber security checkup, now is the time. The risks are growing, and businesses that ignore them are rolling the dice with their future.
Think Your Business is Safe? Let’s Put It to the Test.
Every business in DUKE Heights that books a free Cyber Health Assessment will get a personalised report outlining potential risks and practical solutions—with no strings attached.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take control of your business’s cyber security today.
