Guide to Achieving CyberSecure Canada Certification

Cyber threats are on the rise, and businesses need robust measures to protect sensitive data. The world economic forum’s cybersecurity outlook for 202 reports that 71% of cyber leaders believe smaller organisations are struggling to ensure cyber resilience. This is where the CyberSecure Canada comes in. The CyberSecure Canada certification is a government-backed program designed to help businesses enhance cybersecurity, build trust with customers, and reduce risks.?

This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap to achieving CyberSecure Canada certification, ensuring your business is secure and future-ready.

What is CyberSecure Canada Certification?

CyberSecure Canada certification is a voluntary program developed by the Government of Canada. It offers small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) the opportunity to:

• Protect their operations from cyber threats.
• Improve cybersecurity practices.
• Enhance trust with clients and partners.

The program sets out 13 baseline cybersecurity controls that organisations must implement to qualify for certification.

Why Should Your Business Get Certified?

Achieving CyberSecure Canada certification comes with several benefits:

1. Enhanced Security: Protects sensitive business and customer data from potential breaches.
2. Customer Trust: Certification demonstrates your business’s commitment to cybersecurity, boosting customer confidence.
3. Market Advantage: Positions your business as a trustworthy and reliable partner.
4. Compliance: Simplifies meeting other regulatory or contractual cybersecurity requirements.
5. Risk Reduction: Helps prevent costly data breaches and downtime.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Certification

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Start by familiarising yourself with the 13 baseline cybersecurity controls outlined by the program. These controls cover areas such as:

• User authentication
• Data backup and recovery
• Secure configuration
• Malware protection
• Incident response planning

Step 2: Conduct a Cybersecurity Assessment

Assess your current cybersecurity practices to identify gaps. Use tools like the CyberSecure Canada Readiness Assessment to evaluate your compliance with the program’s requirements.

Step 3: Develop a Cybersecurity Plan

Based on your assessment, create a comprehensive plan to address any gaps. This plan should include:

• Policies for user access and authentication.
• Procedures for data backup and disaster recovery.
• Guidelines for maintaining software updates and security patches.

Step 4: Implement the Required Controls

Work with your IT team or a cybersecurity expert to implement the 13 baseline controls. Key actions include:

• Enforcing strong password policies.
• Regularly updating software and systems.
• Establishing secure configurations for all devices.
• Training employees on cybersecurity best practices.

Step 5: Test and Validate Your Measures

Conduct regular testing to ensure your cybersecurity measures are effective. This can include:

• Simulated phishing attacks.
• Penetration testing.
• Backup and recovery drills.

Step 6: Apply for Certification

Once you’ve implemented all controls, submit your application to a certified third-party accreditation body approved by the Government of Canada. The certification process typically involves:

1. A review of your cybersecurity policies and practices.
2. Verification that all 13 controls have been implemented.
3. Issuance of the CyberSecure certificate upon successful completion.

Step 7: Maintain Your Certification

Certification is valid for three years. To maintain it, regularly review and update your cybersecurity practices to adapt to evolving threats.

Meeting your needs

Achieving the needs of CyberSecure Canada certification can be met through our team of experts who can offer a comprehensive readiness assessments, training and awareness, amongst other services.

Contact us today to get started on your journey to certification! ?Contact Us

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