Securing the Future: How Every Role Impacts Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is everyone’s business

In early 2023, Indigo Books & Music, one of Canada’s largest retail chains, faced a ransomware attack that halted operations both online and in stores. Digital payments were disabled, employee data was compromised, and the disruption lasted for weeks. This incident, like many others, highlights a vital truth: cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it affects everyone, across every department.

At Marketers on Demand (MoD), we believe these incidents underscore the importance of making cybersecurity a company-wide priority. Whether you're a marketer, recruiter, or business leader, your organization's digital safety impacts you more than you might think.

Cybersecurity: More than just systems, it’s about people

Today’s digital landscape is filled with risks, and they touch every corner of your organization. It’s not just IT departments that need to be vigilant; every employee—from HR teams handling sensitive personal data to marketing teams managing customer information—plays a role in keeping your business safe.

At MoD, we recognize this responsibility when recruiting for any role, whether technical or non-technical. A strong understanding of cybersecurity best practices is increasingly important, no matter the job title. Candidates who are cybersecurity-aware help create a safer work environment and protect your organization's most valuable asset—its people.

Embedding cybersecurity in recruitment

At MoD, when we help you find the right talent, we focus on both technical expertise and cybersecurity awareness. We prioritize candidates who not only excel in their respective fields but also understand the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding sensitive information and mitigating risks. By recognizing that cybersecurity is integral to maintaining your organization's reputation and trust, these individuals contribute to a secure workplace culture.

For candidates, trust in an employer's cybersecurity practices has never been more crucial. Incidents like the Indigo attack have demonstrated that inadequate cybersecurity affects everyone in the organization. By hiring candidates who understand this, we help build resilient teams that are ready to prevent future breaches.

Facing cybersecurity threats together

As workplaces become more digitally interconnected, the need for strong cybersecurity measures grows. The statistics speak for themselves:

·??????? Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy $23 trillion by 2027.

·??????? 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack go out of business within six months

·??????? The average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, with breaches involving personal data costing an average of $161 per record. Additionally, 83% of organizations have experienced a data breach in their history.

·??????? The infamous Target data breach of 2013 cost the company over $162 million, showcasing the far-reaching effects of a single incident.

·??????? In 2019, Desjardins faced $70 million in costs after an insider leak exposed personal data of nearly 10 million members.

These figures illustrate why cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s essential. And this is where recruitment plays a role—finding the right people who are aware of cybersecurity risks can help shield your organization from future threats.

Why it matters: Your people, your reputation, your future

Cybersecurity failures don’t just lead to financial losses—they can severely damage your reputation. Whether it’s employees’ personal data or clients’ information, a single breach can ripple through your organization, affecting trust and credibility.

And it’s not just internal systems that need to be secure. As the Target breach in 2013 showed, vulnerabilities can often come from third-party suppliers. This incident, which compromised 40 million credit card records through a contractor, reminds us that security must be part of every business relationship.

How MoD supports a cybersecure workplace

At MoD, we’re committed to helping our clients build not just strong teams but secure environments where employees can thrive without fear of cyber threats. To support this, we encourage our clients to implement the following:

·??????? Regular training sessions to help employees identify threats like phishing attempts.

• AI-driven cybersecurity tools, such as CrowdStrike, Darktrace and Zscaler, that monitor and detect potential risks.
• A comprehensive cybersecurity policy outlining clear responsibilities across all levels of the organization, from interns to executives.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: A timely reminder

As we observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, it’s a timely opportunity for organizations to re-evaluate their security measures. It's a reminder that cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems—it’s about protecting your people and your reputation. At MoD, we’re committed to helping you build teams that contribute to a secure, trusted workplace environment year-round.

Looking Ahead: Securing your workplace together

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity must stay at the forefront of every organization's strategy. At MoD, we’re here to support our clients in building secure, resilient teams and environments, ensuring that their focus remains on what they do best—without the looming fear of cyber threats.

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, both in the workplace and beyond. And we’re here to help you find the people who can protect your business and its future.