愛污传媒

Skip to main content

Cyberattacks increased 20 per cent in Canada last year: IT security company

In this June 19, 2018, file photo, a router and internet switch are displayed in East Derry, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) In this June 19, 2018, file photo, a router and internet switch are displayed in East Derry, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Share

Recent data published by, an IT security company, indicates that global cyberattacks increased by 38 per cent in 2022 compared to the previous year, with North America seeing 52 per cent rise.

Canada, however, apparently only saw a 20 per cent increase in cyberattacks, according to a company news release.

According to the report, these cyberattack figures were driven by smaller and agile hacker and ransomware gangs who focused on exploiting collaboration tools used in work-from-home environments.

It found that, globally, education/research, government/military and health care were the top three most targeted industries in 2022.

Education/research experienced an average of 2,314 attacks per organization every week, an increase of 43 per cent from the previous year. Government/military organizations were attacked an average of 1,661 times weekly, an increase of 46 per cent. Health care organizations endured an average of 1,463 attacks weekly, an increase of 74 per cent.

The report also warns that cyberattack activity may increase with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, which could potentially make it possible for hackers to generate malicious code and emails at a faster, more automated pace. ChatGPT is an AI app designed to mimic human-like speech.

WHAT CAN YOU TO DO TO PREVENT CYBERATTACKS?

To minimize the risk of cyberattacks the report suggests:

- Do not click on malicious links

- Never open unexpected or untrusted attachments

- Avoid revealing personal or sensitive data to phishers

- Verify software legitimacy before downloading it

- Never plug an unknown USB device into your computer

- Use a VPN when connecting via untrusted or public Wi-Fi

- Keep computers and servers up to date with the latest security patches, especially those labeled as critical

- Keep your software updated, as some older versions may have vulnerabilities

 

Reporting for this story was paid for through The Afghan Journalists in Residence Project funded by Meta.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

The president and CEO of New Brunswick-based Covered Bridge Potato Chips is taking an 'extended leave of absence' after being charged with domestic violence this past weekend.

A memorial is growing outside a Walmart in Halifax after a 19-year-old employee was found dead inside an oven in the store Saturday night.

A search has started at Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two victims of a serial killer.

He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.

Canada's discount airline is suspending operations to and from Saskatoon.

A new report suggests that Canadians' exposure to a radioactive gas is increasing, putting millions of people at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

Local Spotlight

He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.

A meteor lit up our region's sky last night 鈥 with a large fireball shooting across the horizon over Lake Erie at around 7:00 p.m.

Residents of Ottawa's Rideauview neighbourhood say an aggressive wild turkey has become a problem.

A man who lost his life while trying to rescue people from floodwaters, and a 13-year-old boy who saved his family from a dog attack, are among the Nova Scotians who received a medal for bravery Tuesday.

A newly minted Winnipegger is hoping a world record attempt will help bring awareness for the need for more pump track facilities in the city.

A Springfield, Ont. man is being hailed a 'hero' after running into his burning home to save his two infant children.

Hortense Anglin was the oldest graduate to make her way across the platform at York University's Fall Convocation ceremony this week. At the age of 87, she graduated with an Honours degree in Religious Studies.

Looking for a scare with good intentions this Halloween season? The ghosts and ghouls of Eganville, Ont. invite families to tour the Haunted Walk at Lekbor Manor.

The image of a sleepy Saskatchewan small town with 'not a lot going on' is a well-known anecdote. However, one Saskatchewan company is hoping to change that 鈥 and allow communities both on and off the beaten path to share their stories and advertise what they have to offer.