Rajiv Gupta
Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
A Part of the Communications Security Establishment Canada
Cyber threats are more than a technology problem. They put operations, businesses, and the trust Canadians place in organizations and critical services at risk.
Artificial intelligence, cloud services and other digital technologies create opportunities to innovate and grow. They make organizations more connected, and in turn, more exposed. Cyber resilience requires secure systems, informed leadership and people who understand their role.
Cyber resilience is measured by how well an organization prepares for, withstands, responds to and recovers from cyber threats. Achieving that resilience requires more than technology alone. While IT and security professionals protect networks and data, every employee has a role to play in reducing risk. A single phishing message can disrupt operations, expose sensitive information, and damage reputation. Cyber awareness must be treated as an ongoing organizational priority, not an annual exercise.
Building resilience does not mean turning every employee into an IT expert. It means giving people the knowledge, tools and confidence to recognize threats, make safer choices and report suspicious activity quickly. Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds us that cyber resilience starts with informed, engaged people.
This is especially vital as artificial intelligence makes it easier for cybercriminals to create convincing emails, websites and messages. Employees need to recognize warning signs like unexpected urgency, unusual requests, unfamiliar links or subtle changes in a sender’s address. When in doubt, they should feel empowered to pause and verify.
Resilience also depends on building security into systems, processes and services, making it easier for employees to take secure actions and harder for attackers to exploit weaknesses. This includes usingAI to identify risks and strengthen security outcomes.
Even simple best practices can be overlooked in busy workplaces. Strong passwords or passphrases paired with multi-factor authentication make stolen credentials harder to use. Software updates fix vulnerabilities before criminals can exploit them. Clear reporting processes help security teams act before suspicious activity escalates.
Organizations of every size can take meaningful steps. For smaller organizations, mastering these basic practices significantly reduces risk. Larger organizations must also get the basics right, complemented by robust oversight, clear accountability, and security embedded from the start.
Leaders at all levels play a critical role. When they make cyber security a shared priority, invest in practical training, and encourage employees to report mistakes without fear of blame, security becomes part of workplace culture. Our Cyber Security Readiness Goals Toolkit supports these efforts through practical guidance, resources and foundational training.
The most cyber-resilient organizations are not simply those with the best technology. They are the ones where people, processes and technology reinforce one another. One employee who reports a phishing email can protect an entire organization. One leader who treats security as a core business responsibility helps protect customers, partners and Canada’s digital economy and critical services.
This Cyber Security Awareness Month, let’s move beyond awareness to action – because in today’s changing threat environment, your best defence is you.
Follow Get Cyber Safe for practical tips and visit the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security for the latest guidance.
