Biometric IT security harnesses unique human traits for access control, evolving from niche tech to mainstream defense amid rising digital threats. In 2025, with data breaches costing $4.9 million on average, biometrics offer a password-free future – yet vulnerabilities linger. For Ottawa SMEs embracing remote and hybrid models, this tech promises seamless protection but demands careful deployment to avoid pitfalls….
Remote work has unlocked global talent pools and work-life balance, but it has also exposed organizations to unprecedented cyber risks. In 2025, remote-enabled breaches cost an average of $4.5 million each, up 15% from last year, as home networks become prime attack vectors. For Ottawa SMEs adapting to flexible models, these threats – from phishing to unpatched devices – can…
Ransomware has transformed from a niche nuisance into a global crisis, crippling businesses and governments alike. In 2025, attacks surged by 40% year-over-year, with average payouts exceeding $2 million per incident. This malware encrypts files or locks systems, demanding cryptocurrency ransoms for decryption keys. What began as crude file lockers now leverages AI and supply chains for devastating impact. For…
In an era where cyber threats evolve faster than defenses, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) has emerged as a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity. Coined by Forrester Research, Zero Trust operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Unlike traditional models that assume safety within network boundaries, ZTA requires continuous authentication and authorization for every user, device, and application, regardless of…
In the fast-paced world of enterprise productivity, staying current with software updates is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity. Microsoft 365 Apps, the cornerstone suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, receives continuous enhancements to bolster security, introduce innovative features, and resolve nagging issues. As of October 4, 2025, the ecosystem is buzzing with transitions, particularly around update…
To counter cyber threats, organizations must adopt a layered security approach, integrating network security, endpoint protection, identity management, cloud security, data protection, and threat detection. Below is a comprehensive guide to top vendors for 2025, drawn from industry analyses (e.g., Gartner, Forrester, IDC), with SonicWall included in network security. These solutions are critical for Ottawa-based organizations, where data security underpins…
The following incidents are organized chronologically in descending order (most recent first), with brief descriptions. This list excludes healthcare-related incidents and focuses on events from 2024 to April 2025, drawn from verified reports. 2025 Incidents 2024 Incidents Summary of Most Common Types of Attacks Based on the compiled incidents from 2024–2025, excluding healthcare, the most prevalent attack types in Canada…
In a significant move to bolster defenses against escalating cyber threats, Microsoft rolled out its March 2021 Patch Tuesday updates – addressing a staggering 89 security vulnerabilities across its ecosystem. This batch included 82 flaws patched in the main release – plus seven additional ones for Microsoft Exchange Server that had been disclosed earlier in the month. Of these, 14…
IT is a profession that covers a wide range of specialties and responsibilities. In this day and age, it’s safe to say that pretty much everyone uses technology in some way or another, so the skills needed to support these systems are increasingly important. However, not all IT workers perform the same duties! While the roles within this industry are…
The current thinking of many in the business world is that a hybrid work model is the employment model of the future. There are good reasons to embrace this change: it lowers costs, increases worker satisfaction, and sometimes even improves productivity. However, that doesn’t mean that businesses should just rush headlong into embracing hybrid working. It comes with some risks…
