Even in 2025, many small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in Canada continue to make the same cybersecurity mistakes—often not due to negligence, but because security feels complex, expensive, or overwhelming.
As an MSP owner, I frequently see well-intentioned businesses focus on the wrong areas while critical security gaps remain open. Below are the five most common cybersecurity mistakes still putting Canadian SMBs at risk.
1. Assuming “We’re Too Small to Be a Target”
This is still the most dangerous assumption.
Cyber attacks today are automated and opportunistic. Attackers don’t care about company size—they look for weak identity controls, exposed services, and misconfigurations. SMBs often become targets precisely because attackers expect fewer defenses.
2. Inconsistent or Missing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is one of the simplest and most effective security controls, yet it’s still not enforced everywhere.
Common issues include:
MFA enabled only for admins
Legacy authentication still allowed
MFA exclusions added “temporarily” and never removed
In 2025, partial MFA is not enough. Identity security must be consistent across users, devices, and access methods.
3. Over-Privileged User and Admin Accounts
Many environments still grant more access than necessary “for convenience.”
Excessive permissions increase blast radius during a breach. Least-privilege access—combined with regular access reviews—dramatically limits damage if an account is compromised.
4. Treating Security Tools as a One-Time Setup
Security is not a “set it and forget it” task.
Policies, users, and applications change constantly. Without regular reviews, monitoring, and updates, even the best tools slowly lose effectiveness.
Good security requires continuous attention, not just good intentions.
5. Underestimating the Human Factor
Technology alone cannot stop every attack.
Phishing, social engineering, and credential theft still succeed because users are busy, distracted, or unaware of modern attack techniques. Regular user awareness training remains one of the most cost-effective security investments for SMBs.
Final thoughts
Cybersecurity in 2025 is less about buying more tools and more about getting the fundamentals right.
Canadian SMBs that focus on identity security, least privilege, consistent MFA, and ongoing visibility significantly reduce their risk—without unnecessary complexity.
The biggest mistake isn’t being imperfect.
It’s assuming security can wait.