Affordable cybersecurity isn’t a myth! With the right tools, knowledge, and team, you can protect your small business from security risks and be properly prepared in the event that a breach does happen.

If you’re a Canadian small business owner, your conversations about cybersecurity probably sound like this:

“Cybersecurity sounds expensive.”

“Multi-factor authentication is confusing and won’t make a difference.”

“We’re not big enough to be targeted.”

Most small business attacks actually happen not because these are the companies that lack advanced security. Missing the basics, the affordable stuff, the easy stuff; this is what makes small business an ideal target for bad actors. 

If you’re looking for affordable cybersecurity in Ontario, and practical ways to improve your cybersecurity today, you’re in the right place. 

These steps come straight from what we implement for real clients across Ontario and BC, backed by guidance from the Government of Canada. We only recommend what works.

Before we jump in, if you want help putting any of these in place, Joe Apps can do it quickly and affordably. You can book a free cybersecurity consultation and get your audit done within just a few days. But let’s start with seven steps you can take right now.

1. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere You Can

If you only do one thing from this list, do this.

MFA adds a second step to your login process – like a text message, authenticator app, or hardware key. Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t get in

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends MFA for all accounts containing sensitive information, especially email, banking, and cloud services.

2. Update Your Software and Devices (Yes, Those Annoying Pop-Ups Actually Matter)

Ignoring software updates is one of the top causes of small business breaches.

Updates don’t just add features. They patch security vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit. StatCan data shows that recovery from cyber incidents is increasingly expensive for Canadian businesses. Outdated systems contribute heavily.

3. Back Up Your Data Automatically, and using Canadian Cloud Backup Services

A backup you have to remember to run is not a backup.

The Cyber Centre recommends regular, automated backups stored offline or offsite. That means daily incremental backups, plus weekly and monthly full copies – ideally stored in Canada to avoid cross-border privacy complications.

4. Train Your Employees to Detect Cybersecurity Risks

Most cyber incidents start with human error. Someone clicking a phishing link, downloading a bad attachment, or reusing the same weak password everywhere is a common reason for a breach… a breach that could have been prevented with some training.

Training users doesn’t need to be expensive or complex. Even a 30-minute session once a quarter for your team can reduce your risk drastically.

We run simple, non-technical training sessions for small teams. Weekly 2-minute training tips sent right to your team’s inboxes keep everyone up-to-date on what to watch out for, and doesn’t interfere with your productivity.

Our clients are always shocked by how much they didn’t know.

5. Secure Your Work Wi-Fi and Network (No More “Open” Networks)

If your Wi-Fi has no password, a weak password, or old security settings, your network is wide open. Bad actors can sit outside your office – literally in the parking lot – and intercept traffic.

Basic steps include:

  • Using WPA3 encryption
  • Changing default router passwords
  • Hiding your network from public view
  • Separating guest and internal Wi-Fi

Need Affordable Cybersecurity for Your Small Business? Joe Apps Makes It Simple.

Small business cybersecurity in Canada doesn’t need to be complicated – or expensive. But it does need to be done properly. The steps above are a great start, but if you want real peace of mind, Joe Apps can help you build a security foundation that actually works.

We support small businesses across Canada with:

  • Managed updates
  • Automated backups
  • MFA setup
  • Employee training
  • Network security
  • Ongoing monitoring

If you want cybersecurity you don’t have to worry about – and support you can actually reach when something goes wrong – reach out to us today.

To learn more, visit:

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

Statistics Canada – Cyber Security and Cybercrime Survey (2023)