Cyberattacks on Canadian small and mid-sized businesses have tripled in the last two years—and artificial intelligence is fuelling the surge. Hackers aren’t wasting time anymore. They’re using AI to launch faster, smarter, more personalized attacks.
From phishing emails crafted by chatbots to ransomware powered by automation, businesses in the GTA and Simcoe County are being targeted with increasingly sophisticated tactics.
If you’re not sure how vulnerable your systems are—or whether your current setup can handle modern threats—book a FREE cybersecurity risk assessment and we’ll break it down for you.
Why AI Is Changing the Game for Cybercriminals
Today’s cyberattacks don’t look like the ones from a few years ago. AI tools can now mimic writing styles, spoof brands, and automate attacks at scale—making it harder than ever to tell what’s real. What used to require a human hacker now takes seconds with a bot trained on massive datasets.
That’s how phishing scams are becoming nearly indistinguishable from real emails. Malware is adapting on the fly. Even ransomware campaigns are being run like clockwork.
Want to understand exactly how this works? These five ways hackers use AI to target SMBs will show you what to watch out for.
Most Businesses Are Still Playing Catch-Up
Despite the growing threat, many companies are still lagging behind on modern cybersecurity.
1. Reactive, Not Proactive
Too many small businesses wait until after an incident to upgrade their defences.
By then, the damage is done—and it’s often expensive to clean up.
2. Overreliance on Insurance
Cyber insurance is not a replacement for strong security practices.
It’s a safety net, not a strategy. Learn more about why cyber insurance can’t replace cybersecurity.
3. Lack of IT Support or In-House Capacity
Even businesses with IT teams are stretched thin managing AI-driven threats.
That’s why many are turning to co-managed IT services for expert help without the full-time overhead.
What You Can Do Now to Get Ahead of AI-Based Attacks
Waiting for an incident is no longer an option. If your current defences weren’t built to handle AI-driven threats, it’s time to pivot. This isn’t about fear—it’s about facts. Your competitors are locking things down.
Want to know how your setup stacks up against modern threats? Book a FREE cybersecurity risk assessment and we’ll help you spot vulnerabilities before attackers do.
