Human errors, the primary cause of cybersecurity breaches in SMEs

Did you know that the majority of successful cyberattacks targeting SMEs in Quebec are caused by human errors?

$1.2 billion: the total amount Canadian companies had to pay to recover from a cyberattack in 2023

Statistics Canada

This impressive figure demonstrates how costly cybersecurity breaches, often triggered by simple human errors, can be. These incidents are part of the strategic cybersecurity challenges for Quebec businesses.

Did you know that in the United States, these losses reach $2.8 billion for small businesses alone? This clearly shows that this is a global problem, but it particularly affects local SMEs, which often lack specialized cybersecurity resources.

Unlike large organizations, SMEs do not always have access to sophisticated technological solutions. This IT vulnerability exposes your business to:

• Costly operational interruptions
• Loss of sensitive data
• Fines related to non-compliance, particularly concerning Bill 25
• A lasting loss of trust from clients and partners

When an attack occurs, often triggered by a simple human error, costs quickly accumulate.

Even after operations resume, the financial impact extends far beyond immediate recovery costs. Revenue losses accumulate as long as the business is paralyzed. Customer trust is eroded, leading to long-term losses.

Not to mention potential fines for non-compliance with data protection regulations, or the inevitable increase in insurance premiums.

For an SME, these consequences can jeopardize its financial stability and undo years of effort.

But the good news in all of this?

With the right cybersecurity training strategies and a good understanding of the risks, you can transform this vulnerability into a real asset for your company’s protection and resilience.

Why cyberattacks caused by human errors threaten your business strategy

Cybercriminals know that users represent the most vulnerable link in IT security. It is more effective and less costly to target an employee than to bypass sophisticated protection systems. As a result, phishing and social engineering techniques are becoming increasingly elaborate, exploiting employee trust to access sensitive company data.

A telling figure: 90% of cybersecurity incidents originate from human error. This means that the majority of breaches do not come from a technical flaw, but from insecure behavior.

For example, a cleverly designed email, perfectly mimicking a business partner’s signature and tone, can easily trick an employee into:

• Opening a malicious attachment
• Clicking on a fraudulent link
• Disclosing confidential information

These actions, though seemingly harmless, can compromise your entire infrastructure and jeopardize your operations.

An underestimated risk

Many companies invest in advanced technological solutions, believing that sophisticated firewalls and protection software are enough to secure their business. However, even the most effective systems cannot compensate for the consequences of a simple human error.

According to the Commission d’accès à l’information (CAI), 9.93% of confidentiality incidents reported in 2023-2024 were due to human errors. This means that a security breach is much more often caused by an untrained employee than by a technical weakness.

Relying solely on technology is a strategic mistake. An effective cybersecurity approach relies on a balance between powerful technological tools and appropriate employee training.

Transforming human errors related to cyberattacks into an opportunity for continuous transformation

Training your employees in cybersecurity: a valuable and rewarding investment

Human errors, far from being inevitable, represent a real opportunity for continuous improvement for your company. Adapted and updated training transforms each employee into a key player in cybersecurity, thus strengthening your SME’s digital resilience.

Why invest in cybersecurity training?

Companies whose employees receive recognized training observe:

• A significant reduction in incidents related to clicking on fraudulent links.
• An improved ability to detect sophisticated phishing attempts.
• Enhanced team commitment to protecting sensitive information.
• Increased awareness of access management and data security within the company.

A striking fact:

60% of Quebec SMEs acknowledge that cybersecurity is not considered an “operational priority”

KPMG

This lack of investment creates a vulnerability that cybercriminals can exploit.

It is understandable that it can be difficult for an SME to allocate its IT budget between cybersecurity, training, and optimization. However, investing in your teams’ skills is often the most sustainable way to maximize the return on your existing technologies.

Funding programs like the Visées grant program help reduce training costs, so you can invest more in other strategic aspects of your digital transformation, such as automation or IT optimization.

How to implement an effective approach in your company?

Regular phishing simulations
Implement realistic and evolving scenarios to develop cybersecurity reflexes among your employees. These simulations can significantly reduce the risk of confidentiality incidents.

Interactive workshops on best practices
Organize practical and engaging sessions to:

• Create strong passwords
• Identify social engineering attempts
• Master IT security fundamentals

Adaptation to each professional profile
Develop personalized training modules:

• A financial manager will require expertise in protecting sensitive data.
• A project manager will need to master securing communications with external stakeholders.

All these initiatives, when well integrated, contribute to a global cybersecurity strategy. For a complete overview of the security challenges that can affect your SME, consult our article.

Creating a cybersecurity culture at all levels

The integration of cybersecurity should not be limited to the IT department. It must become a shared concern at all levels of your company.

Developing a strong IT security culture allows you to:

• Transform vigilance into a collective reflex embedded in your company’s DNA.
• Significantly minimize incidents related to lack of knowledge or inattention.
• Facilitate transparent communication about risks and avoided incidents.
• Strengthen the organization’s overall resilience by involving every employee.

By fostering daily vigilance, you not only reduce the risk of costly errors but also help prevent confidentiality incidents. A key element for complying with the requirements of Bill 25.

Want to go further? Discover How IT security concretely supports your compliance with Bill 25.

How to implement this culture?

Through exemplary leadership
Management must promote good IT security practices daily. This involves adhering to established protocols and regularly communicating the importance of cybersecurity during team meetings and internal communications.

Adopting regular routines
Organize quarterly awareness campaigns and share concrete examples of cyberattacks avoided thanks to employee vigilance. These sessions should be interactive and adapted to different levels of technical skill. Integrate practical exercises, quizzes, and simulations to maintain participant engagement.

Regular recognition of efforts
Implement a recognition system to commend employees who report suspicious behavior or rigorously apply security protocols.

Effective and powerful tools to strengthen your strategy

While training and awareness are essential, technology plays a key role in limiting the impact of human errors. Integrating technological tools creates an effective synergy between the human factor and automated solutions.

Here is a list of essential tools for your SME

Password Managers

• Significantly simplify the creation and management of passwords for employees while ensuring their security.
• Encourage the systematic use of strong, unique passwords for each service.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Adds a critical additional layer of protection for accessing sensitive systems.
• Significantly limits the potential impact of compromised passwords during a data breach.

Monitoring and Automation Tools (EDR)

• Detect anomalies or suspicious behavior on the network in real-time using advanced algorithms.
• Send instant alerts to enable rapid and targeted actions before a threat causes irreversible damage.
• Example: A company using modern antivirus (EDR) blocked a sophisticated unauthorized access attempt thanks to an automated alert sent immediately to the security team.

Automated Backups

• Ensure robust protection of critical data against accidental loss or ransomware attacks.
• Enable quick and efficient recovery of operations after a security incident.

Want to go further? Continue reading to learn how to improve the security of your critical data.

The strategic benefits of proactive cybersecurity

Strengthening stakeholder trust

In a digital environment where trust is paramount, investing in a robust cybersecurity strategy positions you as a reliable partner for your clients, suppliers, and business partners.

A company perceived as secure benefits from a tangible competitive advantage:

• Improved customer retention through strengthened trust.
• Development of strategic partnerships based on secure exchanges.
• Enhanced reputation in a market increasingly sensitive to data protection issues.

Quebec companies that prioritize IT security in their operational approach experience more sustainable growth and better resilience to digital disruptions.

Ensuring business continuity

Proactive cybersecurity is not limited to prevention. It ensures business continuity by minimizing costly interruptions.

How a solid strategy makes a difference:

• Reduced downtime through well-defined incident response protocols.
• Rapid resumption of operations after an attempted attack.
• Preservation of the company’s reputation by demonstrating exemplary responsiveness.

A point to note:

Companies able to resume operations within 24 hours of a cybersecurity incident are more likely to maintain their annual growth. For SMEs in Quebec, this advantage can make all the difference.

Do you want to strengthen your SME’s security?

Human errors remain the primary source of security incidents, exposing businesses to financial repercussions, non-compliance risks, and operational continuity problems.

However, these situations are not inevitable. By adopting a preventive approach that combines:

• Targeted employee awareness and training
• Implementation of powerful technological tools
• Rigorous adherence to local standards and regulations, particularly Bill 25

… your SME can not only minimize threats but also:

• Secure its profits
• Consolidate business relationships
• Establish lasting credibility in the Quebec market

Grav-ITI, your natural partner in IT cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is much more than a technological issue. It is a strategic lever to ensure the sustainability and growth of your business.

We believe that every SME deserves a tailored approach, aligned with its business realities.

Our expertise aims to:

• Clarify the issues related to human errors.
• Provide concrete solutions adapted to your execution capacity.
• Develop a sustainable digital culture within your organization.

Do you want to delve deeper into these issues and strengthen your SME’s cybersecurity?

Do not hesitate to contact us to explore your IT security challenges.
Our experts will answer all your questions at no cost.

FAQ – Human errors, the random element of IT security

1. Can an SME really afford to invest in cybersecurity training?

Yes, and not investing costs much more. A single error can lead to a data breach, business interruption, or regulatory penalty. Canadian companies spent $1.2 billion on recovery after cyberattacks in 2023, a cost that could be avoided by effective prevention.

2. Are technical solutions enough to protect my business?

No, because cyberattacks primarily target employees. Even the best software cannot prevent an employee from clicking on a malicious link, reusing a weak password, or sending a sensitive file to the wrong person. Effective cybersecurity relies on a combination of technology and training.

3. How do I know if my company is vulnerable to human errors?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do your employees know how to detect a phishing email?
• Do they use strong, unique passwords for each account?
• Does your company apply multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
• Have you ever simulated an attack to test your teams’ vigilance?

If the answer is no to several of these questions, it’s time to strengthen your internal cybersecurity.

4. How to effectively reduce human errors in cybersecurity?

• Train employees regularly with phishing simulations and workshops.
• Implement clear rules on access and password management.
• Use appropriate tools such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and password managers.
• Create a strong cybersecurity culture where vigilance is encouraged at all levels of the company.