Canadian Survey of Cyber Security and Cybercrime - 2021

Business characteristics - Question identifier:1

Which of the following does your business currently use? Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Blockchain technologies:
A decentralized and distributed public digital ledger that is used to record transactions across many computers so that any involved record cannot be altered retroactively, without the alteration of all subsequent blocks.

Cloud computing or storage:
Services that are used over the Internet to access software, computing power or storage capacity where the service:

a) is delivered from servers of service providers;

b) can be easily scaled up or down (e.g., number of users or storage capacity);

c) can be used on-demand by the user, at least after the initial set up (without human interaction with the service provider);

d) is paid for per user or by capacity used, or is pre-paid.

E-commerce platforms:
A software technology solution that allows a business to build and host a digital storefront soliciting a specific set of products or services.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI):
The electronic transmission of data suitable for automated processing between businesses or organisations. Generally, EDI allows for the sending or receiving of messages (e.g., payment transactions, tax declarations, orders) in an agreed or standard format suitable for automated processing, and does not require an individual to type a message manually.

E-signature:
A technology that allows a person to electronically affix a signature or its equivalent to an electronic document, as when consenting to an online contract.

Internet-connected smart devices:
Electronic devices that can connect to each other and the Internet through a network. These devices are designed to automatically send and receive information from the Internet on a constant basis.

Internet of Things (IoT):
A term referring to the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data. Examples include smart televisions, Wi-Fi enabled security cameras, automatic car tracking adapters, Canary smart security system, Cisco's connective factory, Phillips hue smart bulbs and August smart locks.

Intranet:
A private computer network accessible only to the organization and its staff. It is protected from unauthorized access with security systems such as firewalls. It is composed of LANs (local area networks) and in some cases WANs (wide area networks).

Open source software:
Software for which the source code is available without any copyright cost, often providing the possibility of it being modified, distributed, and re-distributed.

Social media:
Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for your business to reach potential customers and build stronger relationships with clients. Businesses also uses social networking sites for marketing or professional purposes.

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP):
Routing of voice conversations over the Internet. This is distinct from a telephone call, which is made from your home or office phone which goes through the Public Switched Telephone Network.

Web-based application:
A program that is accessed over an Internet network, rather than existing within a device's memory.

• : Website for your business
• : Social media accounts for your business
• : E-commerce platforms and solutions
• : Web-based applications
• : Open source software
• : Cloud computing or storage
• : Internet-connected smart devices or Internet of Things (IoT)
• : Intranet
• : Blockchain technologies
• : Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services
• : OR
• : Business does not use any of the above

Business characteristics - Question identifier:2

What type of data does your business store on cloud computing or storage services? Include data that are backed-up. Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Cloud computing or storage:
Services that are used over the Internet to access software, computing power or storage capacity where the service:

a) is delivered from servers of service providers;

b) can be easily scaled up or down (e.g., number of users or storage capacity);

c) can be used on-demand by the user, at least after the initial set up (without human interaction with the service provider);

d) is paid for per user or by capacity used, or is pre-paid.

Web services:
A service that is made available from a Web server for Web users or other Web-connected programs. An example of a Web service is an online customer relationship management application.

• : Confidential employee information
• : Confidential information about customers, suppliers, or partners
• : Confidential business information
• : Commercially sensitive information
• : Non-sensitive or public information
• : OR
• : Business does not store data on cloud computing or storage services

Business characteristics - Question identifier:3

Does anyone in your business use personally-owned devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers to carry out regular business-related activities? Include devices that are subsidized by the business.

Help definitions

Personally-owned devices (management of):
Policy to manage personally owned devices (laptops, tablets, and smart phones) that are used at the workplace, with emphasis on access to privileged company information and applications.

• : Yes
• : No
• : Do not know

Cyber security environment - Question identifier:4

Which cyber security measures does your business currently have in place?
Include on-site and external security measures, including those provided by an external party. Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Access:
Enables the right individuals to access the right resources. This security feature helps to protect entry to applications and resources across the corporate IT infrastructure, enabling additional levels of validation such as multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies.

Anti-malware:
A type of software program designed to prevent, detect and remediate malicious programming on individual computing devices and IT systems.

Application whitelisting:
Identifying specific programs that are permitted to execute on a given system and enforcing a policy so that only those identified components can operate.

Asset:
Any items belonging to or held by the business, with some value (including information, in all forms and computer systems).

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Digital certificates:
An encrypted file containing user or server identification information, which is used to verify identity and to help establish a security-enhanced link.

Encryption:
Converting information into a code that can only be read by authorized persons who have been provided with the necessary (and usually unique) "key" and special software so that they can reverse the process (e.g., decryption) and use the information.

Firewall:
A hardware and/or software device on a computer that controls the access between a private network and a public network like the Internet. A firewall is designed to provide protection by stopping unauthorized access to the computer or network.

Hardware:
A computer, its components, and its related equipment. Hardware also refers to communication, networking, and security equipment.

Honeypot systems:
A decoy-based intrusion-detection system used primarily as a way to attract hackers to a network system in order to study their movements and behavior.

Malware:
Malicious software created and distributed to cause harm. The most common instance of malware is a "virus."

Mobile security:
The protection of smartphones, tablets, laptops and other portable computing devices, and the networks they connect to, from threats and vulnerabilities associated with wireless computing.

Network security:
The protection of the access to files and directories in a computer network against hacking, misuse and unauthorized changes to the system.

Password complexity rules:
A policy setting on whether passwords must meet a series of guidelines that are considered important for a strong password.

Patching:
Updating or repairing any form of software that is applied without replacing the entire original program. Many patches are provided by software developers to address identified security vulnerabilities.

Personally-owned devices (management of):
Policy to manage personally owned devices (laptops, tablets, and smart phones) that are used at the workplace, with emphasis on access to privileged company information and applications.

Physical access controls:
Controls to allow authorized personnel access to a place or other sources (e.g., turnstiles, key pass, passwords).

Point-Of-Sale (POS) security:
Security measures applied to the software used by businesses to record when goods or services are sold to customers.

Ransomware:
A type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment in order for the restriction to be removed.

Rights management:
Restrictions to create and consume protected content such as emails and documents.

Secure remote access:
The ability to access a device or software from a remote location (e.g., work from home or access work email while travelling).

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

Spam filters:
A set of rules to screen email that has been sent without the permission or request of you or the employee it has been sent to.

Spyware:
Software that collects personal information about you without you knowing. They often come in the form of a 'free' download and are installed automatically with or without your consent. These are difficult to remove and can infect your computer with viruses.

Virus:
Malicious computer programs that are often sent as an email attachment or a download with the intent of infecting your computer, as well as the computers of everyone in your contact list. They often contain spam, provide criminals with access to your computer and disable your security settings.

VPN (Virtual Private Network):
A private communications network usually used within a company, or by several different companies or organisations to communicate over a wider network. VPN communications are typically encrypted or encoded to protect the traffic from other users on the public network carrying the VPN.

Web security:
A branch of computer security specifically related to the Internet, often involving browser security but also network security on a more general level as it applies to other applications or operating systems on a whole. Its objective is to establish rules and measures to use against attacks over the Internet.

• : Mobile security
• : Anti-malware software to protect against viruses, spyware, ransomware, etc.
• : Web security
• : Email security
• : Network security
• : Data protection and control
• : Point-Of-Sale (POS) security
• : Software and application security
• : Hardware and asset management
• : Identity and access management
• : Physical access controls
• : OR
• : Business does not have any cyber security measures in place
• : OR
• : Do not know

Cyber security environment - Question identifier:5

Was implementing any of the cyber security measures a requirement of any of the following external parties or a requirement of a cyber security standard or a cyber security certification program?
Select all that apply.

Help text

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Digitally delivered goods:
Products in a digital format that are both ordered and delivered online. Examples include software, music and video streaming services, e-books and online subscriptions.

Digitally delivered services:
Services that are delivered online; examples include website hosting, e-commerce platforms, online payment services, cloud computing and cloud storage capacity.

Cyber security certification program:
Programs which offer businesses a certification for adhering to particular cyber security standards. Examples include the CyberSecure Canada program and the Cyber Essentials Canada program.

Cyber security standards:
Best practices which, when followed, are designed to protect the cyber environment of a business or user. Examples include the cyber security standards published by the ISO and the IEC, the COBIT best practices framework and the NIST Cyber Security Framework.

Physical goods:
Physical, produced objects for which demand exists and whose ownership can be transferred through market transactions. Examples include laptops, office equipment, office furniture and uniforms.

Services:
A type of economic activity that is intangible, is not stored, and does not result in ownership. A service is consumed at the point of sale. Examples include the transfer of goods, such as the postal service delivering mail, and the use of expertise or experience, such as a business using an accountant for filing taxes.

Regulator:
An organization that supervises a particular industry or business activity. Examples include the Bank of Canada and Health Canada.

• : Supplier of physical goods
• : Supplier of digitally delivered goods or services
• : Supplier of other services that are not digitally delivered
• : Customer
• : Partner
• : Canadian regulator
• : Foreign regulator
• : Cyber security standard or cyber security certification program
• : OR
• : None of the above

Cyber security environment - Question identifier:6

How many employees does your business have that complete tasks related to cyber security as part of their regular responsibilities?

Include part-time and full-time employees. Examples of tasks these employees may complete include:
- managing, evaluating or improving the security of business networks, web presence, email systems or devices;
- patching or updating the software or operating systems used by the business for security reasons;
- completing tasks related to recovery from previous cyber security incidents.

Exclude external IT consultants or contractors.
If precise figures are not available, please provide your best estimate.

Help definitions


Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Operating system:
A type of software installed on a computer or mobile device which manages hardware and other software resources. The operating system completes basic computer functions such as executing applications and managing tasks to maintain efficient use of system resources. Examples include Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS and Android.

Patching:
Updating or repairing any form of software that is applied without replacing the entire original program. Many patches are provided by software developers to address identified security vulnerabilities.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

Web presence:
Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties. Examples include a business's websites, social media accounts, mobile apps and their online advertising.

• : One employee
• : Two to five employees
• : 6 to 15 employees
• : Over 15 employees
• : None
• : Do not know

Cyber security environment - Question identifier:7

What are the main reasons your business does not have any employees that complete tasks related to cyber security as part of their regular responsibilities? Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber risk insurance:
An insurance product used to protect businesses and individual users from Internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities.

Cyber security employee:
Part-time or full-time employees that complete tasks related to the cyber security of the business as part of their regular responsibilities. Examples of tasks these employees may complete include:

-managing, evaluating or improving the security of networks, web presence, e-mail systems or devices
-patching or updating the software or operating systems used for security reasons
-completing tasks related to recovery from previous cyber security incidents.

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Risk:
Exposure to a negative outcome if a threat is realized.

• : Business uses private sector consultants or contractors to monitor cyber security
• : Business uses public sector consultants or contractors to monitor cyber security
• : Business has cyber risk insurance
• : Business is in the process of recruiting a cyber security employee
• : Business is unable to find an adequate cyber security employee
• : Business lacks the money or resources to employ a cyber security employee
• : Cyber security is not a high enough risk to the business
• : Business' parent organization manages cyber security

Cyber security environment - Question identifier:8

What percentage of the employees that complete tasks related to the cyber security of your business as part of their regular responsibilities identify as the following genders? Gender refers to current gender, which may be different from sex assigned at birth and may be different from what is indicated on legal documents.

Exclude external IT consultants or contractors.
If precise figures are not available, please provide your best estimate.

• : Female
• : Male
• : Another gender

Cyber security environment - Question identifier:9

Did your business share best practices or general information on cyber security risks with your employees in 2021?

Include the sharing of information through email, bulletin boards, general information sessions on subjects related to:
- recognizing and avoiding email scams;
- importance of password complexity and basic security techniques;
- securing your web browser and safe web browsing practices;
- avoiding phishing attacks;
- recognizing and avoiding spyware.

a. Information shared with internal IT personal
b. Information shared with other employees

Help definitions

Attack:
An attempt to gain unauthorized access to business or personal information, computer systems or networks for (normally) criminal purposes. A successful attack may result in a security breach or it may be generically classified as an "incident."

Best practices:
A procedure or set of procedures that is preferred or considered standard within an organization.

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Phishing:
A specific kind of spam targeting one or more specific people while pretending to be a legitimate message, with the intent of defrauding the recipients.

Risk:
Exposure to a negative outcome if a threat is realized.

Spyware:
Software that collects personal information about you without you knowing. They often come in the form of a 'free' download and are installed automatically with or without your consent. These are difficult to remove and can infect your computer with viruses.

Web browser:
A program that allows a user to find, view, hear, and interact with material on the Internet, including text, graphics, sound, and video.

• : Yes
• : No
• : Not applicable
• : Do not know

Cyber security environment - Question identifier:10

Did your business provide formal training to develop or upgrade cyber security related skills of your employees or stakeholders in 2021? Include training provided by external sources.

a. Provided training to internal IT personnel
b. Provided training to other employees
c. Provided training to stakeholders such as suppliers, customers or partners

Help definitions

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Stakeholder:
A person, group or organization that has interest or concern in an organization. Stakeholders can affect or be affected by the organization's actions, objectives and policies. Examples include suppliers, customers and business partners.

• : Yes
• : No
• : Not applicable
• : Do not know

Cyber security environment - Question identifier:11

What are the main reasons your business spends time or money on cyber security measures and/or related skills training? Select up to three.

Help definitions

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Downtime:
A time during which a machine, domain or service is not productive, as during repair, malfunction, or maintenance. This can lead to reduced activity or inactivity of an employee or a business.

Intellectual property:
Legal rights that result from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary and artistic fields. Examples include a business's copyright, trademark, and patents.

• : Allow employees to work remotely securely
• : Protect the reputation of the business
• : Protect personal information of employees, suppliers, customers or partners
• : Protect trade secrets and intellectual property
• : Compliance with laws, regulations, or contracts
• : Business has suffered a cyber security incident previously
• : Prevent downtime and outages
• : Prevent fraud and theft
• : Secure continuity of business operations
• : OR
• : Business does not spend time or money on cyber security measures or related skills training

Cyber security readiness - Question identifier:12

Which risk management arrangements does your business currently have in place?
Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Business Continuity Plan (BCP):
A strategy that recognizes threats and risks facing a company, with the purpose to ensure that personnel and assets are protected and able to function in the event of a major issue.

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber risk insurance:
An insurance product used to protect businesses and individual users from Internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities.

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Insider threat:
The threat of cyber security incidents being perpetrated by an employee, consultant or contractor of a business, or being caused by the carelessness of an employee, consultant or contractor of a business.

Operating system:
A type of software installed on a computer or mobile device which manages hardware and other software resources. The operating system completes basic computer functions such as executing applications and managing tasks to maintain efficient use of system resources. Examples include Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS and Android.

Patching:
Updating or repairing any form of software that is applied without replacing the entire original program. Many patches are provided by software developers to address identified security vulnerabilities.

Risk:
Exposure to a negative outcome if a threat is realized.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

Threat:
Any potential event or action (deliberate or accidental) that represents a danger to the security of the business.

Vulnerability:
A flaw or weakness in the design or implementation of an information system or its environment that could be exploited to adversely affect an organization's assets or operations.

• : A written policy in place to manage internal cyber security risks
• : A written policy in place to manage cyber security risks associated with supply chain partners
• : A written policy in place to report cyber security incidents
• : Other type of written policy related to cyber security
• : A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) with processes to manage cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks
• : Employees with responsibility for overseeing cyber security risks and threats
• : Members of senior management with responsibility for overseeing cyber security risks and threats
• : A consultant or contractor to manage cyber security risks and threats
• : Monthly or more frequent patching or updating of operating systems for security reasons
• : Monthly or more frequent patching or updating of software for security reasons
• : Cyber risk insurance
• : OR
• : Business does not have any risk management arrangements for cyber security

Cyber security readiness - Question identifier:13

Which are covered under your cyber risk insurance policy? Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Attack:
An attempt to gain unauthorized access to business or personal information, computer systems or networks for (normally) criminal purposes. A successful attack may result in a security breach or it may be generically classified as an "incident."

Cyber risk insurance:
An insurance product used to protect businesses and individual users from Internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities.

Defamation:
The action of damaging the good reputation of someone; slander or libel.

Fraudulent e-transfers:
This can take various forms, but the most popular technique is where the perpetrator fraudulently uses an unauthorized bank account to transfer funds out of the accounts or initiate payments for purchases.

Hardware:
A computer, its components, and its related equipment. Hardware also refers to communication, networking, and security equipment.

Ransomware:
A type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment in order for the restriction to be removed.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

• : Direct losses from an attack or intrusion
• : Restoration expenses for software, hardware, and electronic data
• : Business interruption (loss of productive time) and reputation losses
• : Third-party liability
• : Financial losses
• : Security breach remediation and notification expenses
• : Claims made by employees

Cyber security readiness - Question identifier:14

Prior to responding to this survey, were you aware of any cyber security standards or cyber security certification programs that businesses can apply for?
Include:
- Canadian, foreign and international standards and programs;
- standards and programs that you were aware of but your business was not eligible for or did not apply for.

Select all that apply.

Help Text

Best practices:
A procedure or set of procedures that is preferred or considered standard within an organization.

Cyber security certification program:
Programs which offer businesses a certification for adhering to particular cyber security standards. Examples include the CyberSecure Canada program and the Cyber Essentials Canada program.

Cyber security standards:
Best practices which, when followed, are designed to protect the cyber environment of a business or user. Examples include the cyber security standards published by the ISO and the IEC, the COBIT best practices framework and the NIST Cyber Security Framework.

• : Cyber security standards
  o Specify which standards you were aware of
• : Cyber security certification programs
  o Specify which certification programs you were aware of
• : OR
• : Not aware of any cyber security standards or certification programs

Cyber security readiness - Question identifier:15

Which activities does your business undertake to identify cyber security risks?
Select all that apply.

Help text

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Firewall:
A hardware and/or software device on a computer that controls the access between a private network and a public network like the Internet. A firewall is designed to provide protection by stopping unauthorized access to the computer or network.

Internet-connected smart devices:
Electronic devices that can connect to each other and the Internet through a network. These devices are designed to automatically send and receive information from the Internet on a constant basis.

Internet of Things (IoT):
A term referring to the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data. Examples include smart televisions, Wi-Fi enabled security cameras, automatic car tracking adapters, Canary smart security system, Cisco's connective factory, Phillips hue smart bulbs and August smart locks.

Penetration testing:
An authorized simulated attack on a computer system that looks for security weaknesses, potentially gaining access to the system's features and data. The test can help determine whether the IT infrastructure is vulnerable to attack.

Risk:
Exposure to a negative outcome if a threat is realized.

Threat:
Any potential event or action (deliberate or accidental) that represents a danger to the security of the business.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator):
The technical term for the address (location) of a resource on the Internet such as a website or file.

• : Monitoring employee behaviour
• : Monitoring network and business systems
• : A formal assessment of cyber security risks, undertaken by an employee
• : A formal assessment of cyber security risks, undertaken by an external party
• : Penetration testing, undertaken by an employee
• : Penetration testing, undertaken by an external party
• : Assessment of the security of Internet-connected smart devices or Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• : Investment in threat intelligence
• : Complete audit of IT systems, undertaken by an external party
• : Business conducts other activities to identify cyber security risks
• : OR
• : Business does not conduct any activity to identify cyber security risks

Cyber security readiness - Question identifier:16

How often does your business conduct activities to identify cyber security risks? Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Risk:
Exposure to a negative outcome if a threat is realized.

• : On a scheduled basis
• : After a cyber security incident occurs
• : When a new IT initiative or project is launched
• : On an irregular basis

Cyber security readiness - Question identifier:17

How often is senior management in your business given an update on actions taken regarding cyber security? Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

• : On a scheduled basis
• : After a cyber security incident occurs
• : When a new IT initiative or project is launched
• : Senior management have tools to track cyber security issues
• : Senior management is given an update on an irregular basis
• : OR
• : Senior management is not updated on cyber security issues

Business resiliency - Question identifier:18

Which cyber security risks or threats would you consider to have the most detrimental impact on your business? Select up to three.

Help definitions

Access:
Enables the right individuals to access the right resources. This security feature helps to protect entry to applications and resources across the corporate IT infrastructure, enabling additional levels of validation such as multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies.

Adware:
Software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material (often unwanted) when a user is online.

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Data breach:
An incident in which sensitive, protected or confidential data have potentially been viewed, stolen or used by an individual unauthorized to do so.

Denial of Service (DoS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS):
A cyber-attack where the perpetrator seeks to make a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users by temporarily or indefinitely disrupting services of a host connected to the Internet.

Hardware:
A computer, its components, and its related equipment. Hardware also refers to communication, networking, and security equipment.

Phishing:
A specific kind of spam targeting one or more specific people while pretending to be a legitimate message, with the intent of defrauding the recipients.

Ransomware:
A type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment in order for the restriction to be removed.

Risk:
Exposure to a negative outcome if a threat is realized.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

Threat:
Any potential event or action (deliberate or accidental) that represents a danger to the security of the business.

Virus:
Malicious computer programs that are often sent as an email attachment or a download with the intent of infecting your computer, as well as the computers of everyone in your contact list. They often contain spam, provide criminals with access to your computer and disable your security settings.

Web presence:
Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties. Examples include a business's websites, social media accounts, mobile apps and their online advertising.

• : Theft or compromise of software or hardware
• : Unauthorized access, manipulation and theft of data
• : Identity theft
• : Scams and fraud
• : Improper usage of computers or network
• : Malicious software
• : Denial of Service (DoS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
• : Disruption or defacing of web presence

Business resiliency - Question identifier:19

How concerned is your business about its susceptibility to future cyber security risks and threats?

Help definitions

Cyber security:
The protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Risk:
Exposure to a negative outcome if a threat is realized.

Susceptibility:
The state or fact of being likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular threat.

Threat:
Any potential event or action (deliberate or accidental) that represents a danger to the security of the business.

• : Extremely concerned
• : Very concerned
• : Somewhat concerned
• : Slightly concerned
• : Not at all concerned

Cyber security incidents - Question identifier:20

To the best of your knowledge, which cyber security incidents impacted your business in 2021? Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Access:
Enables the right individuals to access the right resources. This security feature helps to protect entry to applications and resources across the corporate IT infrastructure, enabling additional levels of validation such as multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Intellectual property:
Legal rights that result from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary and artistic fields. Examples include a business's copyright, trademark, and patents.

Web presence:
Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties. Examples include a business's websites, social media accounts, mobile apps and their online advertising.

• : Incidents to disrupt or deface the business or web presence
• : Incidents to steal personal or financial information
• : Incidents to steal money or demand ransom payment
• : Incidents to steal or manipulate intellectual property or business data
• : Incidents to access unauthorised or privileged areas
• : Incidents to monitor and track business activity
• : Incidents with an unknown motive
• : OR
• : Business was not impacted by any cyber security incidents in 2021

Cyber security incidents - Question identifier:21

In 2021, which external parties reported cyber security incidents to your business that involved your organization?

Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre):
A Government of Canada organization which acts as a single unified source of expert advice, guidance, services and support on cyber security for government, critical infrastructure owners and operations, the private sector and the Canadian public.

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber risk insurance:
An insurance product used to protect businesses and individual users from Internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Industry association:
A group that supports and protects the rights of a particular industry and the people who work in that industry.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner:
A Government of Canada organization which provides advice and information for individuals about protecting personal information. They also enforce federal privacy laws that set out the rules for how federal government institutions and certain businesses must handle personal information.

Regulator:
An organization that supervises a particular industry or business activity. Examples include the Bank of Canada and Health Canada.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

• : Suppliers, customers or partners
• : IT consultant or contractor
• : Persons or group that perpetrated the incidents
• : Cyber risk insurance provider
• : Government department or agency
• : Police services
• : Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre)
• : Office of the Privacy Commissioner
• : Regulator
• : Industry association
• : Bank or other financial institution
• : Software or service vendor
• : Other parties not mentioned above
• : OR
• : External parties did not report cyber security incidents to the business in 2021

Cyber security incidents - Question identifier:22

How did your business handle the cyber security incidents that were reported to your organization by external parties in 2021?
Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

• : Incidents were resolved internally
• : Incidents were resolved with the external party
• : Incidents were resolved through an IT consultant or contractor
• : Incidents were reported to a police service
• : Incidents were reported to other external parties
• : Business is currently working with the external party to resolve the incidents
• : OR
• : No action was taken by the business

Cost of cyber security incidents - Question identifier:23

In 2021, what was the total amount your business spent to prevent or detect cyber security incidents? Exclude costs that were incurred specifically due to previous cyber security incidents (e.g., recovery costs from previous cyber security incidents).

If precise figures are not available, provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars.

Enter "0" if there is no value to report.

Help definitions

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber risk insurance:
An insurance product used to protect businesses and individual users from Internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Hardware:
A computer, its components, and its related equipment. Hardware also refers to communication, networking, and security equipment.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

• a.: Cost of employee salary related to prevention or detection
• b.: Cost of training employees, suppliers, customers, or partners
• c.: Cost of hiring IT consultants or contractors
• d.: Cost of legal services or public relations (PR) services
• e.: Cost of cyber security software
• f.: Cost of hardware related to cyber security
• g.: Annual cost of cyber risk insurance or equivalent
• h.: Other related costs

Cost of cyber security incidents - Question identifier:24

In 2021, what was the total cost to your business to recover from the cyber security incidents? Exclude costs related to prevention and detection of cyber security incidents as these were asked in the previous question.

If precise figures are not available, provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars.

Enter "0" if there is no value to report.

Help definitions

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Hardware:
A computer, its components, and its related equipment. Hardware also refers to communication, networking, and security equipment.

Recover:
Return of business or employee activity to the normal state, including but not limited to regaining data, IT systems, network, and other services.

Regulator:
An organization that supervises a particular industry or business activity. Examples include the Bank of Canada and Health Canada.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

• a.: Cost of employee salary related to recovery
• b.: Cost of training employees, suppliers, customers, or partners
• c.: Cost of hiring IT consultants or contractors
• d.: Cost of legal services or public relations (PR) services
• e.: Cost of new or upgraded cyber security software
• f.: Cost of new or upgraded hardware related to cyber security
• g.: Increased cost of cyber risk insurance or equivalent
• h.: Reimbursing suppliers, customers, or partners
• i.: Fines from regulators or authorities
• j.: Ransom payments
• k.: Other related costs

Impact of cyber security incidents - Question identifier:25

To the best of your knowledge, who perpetrated the cyber security incidents in 2021? Select all that apply.

Incidents to disrupt or deface the business or web presence
Incidents to steal personal or financial information
Incidents to steal money or demand ransom payment
Incidents to steal or manipulate intellectual property or business data
Incidents to access unauthorised or privileged areas
Incidents to monitor and track business activity
Incidents with an unknown motive

Help definition

Access:
Enables the right individuals to access the right resources. This security feature helps to protect entry to applications and resources across the corporate IT infrastructure, enabling additional levels of validation such as multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Intellectual property:
Legal rights that result from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary and artistic fields. Examples include a business's copyright, trademark, and patents.

Web presence:
Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties. Examples include a business's websites, social media accounts, mobile apps and their online advertising.

• : An external party
• : An internal employee
• : Supplier, customer or partner
• : OR
• : Do not know

Impact of cyber security incidents - Question identifier:26

What was the method used for the cyber security incidents? Select all that apply.

Incidents to disrupt or deface the business or web presence
Incidents to steal personal or financial information
Incidents to steal money or demand ransom payment
Incidents to steal or manipulate intellectual property or business data
Incidents to access unauthorised or privileged areas
Incidents to monitor and track business activity
Incidents with an unknown motive

Help definitions

Adware:
Software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material (often unwanted) when a user is online.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Denial of Service (DoS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS):
A cyber-attack where the perpetrator seeks to make a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users by temporarily or indefinitely disrupting services of a host connected to the Internet.

Hacking:
The practice of modifying or altering computer software and hardware to accomplish a goal that is considered to be outside of the creator's original objective.

Hardware:
A computer, its components, and its related equipment. Hardware also refers to communication, networking, and security equipment.

Password cracking:
Refers to various measures used to discover a secret word or combination of characters that is used for authentication of the person that holds it.

Phishing:
A specific kind of spam targeting one or more specific people while pretending to be a legitimate message, with the intent of defrauding the recipients.

Ransomware:
A type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment in order for the restriction to be removed.

Virus:
Malicious computer programs that are often sent as an email attachment or a download with the intent of infecting your computer, as well as the computers of everyone in your contact list. They often contain spam, provide criminals with access to your computer and disable your security settings.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

Vulnerability:
A flaw or weakness in the design or implementation of an information system or its environment that could be exploited to adversely affect an organization's assets or operations.

Web presence:
Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties. Examples include a business's websites, social media accounts, mobile apps and their online advertising.

• : Exploiting software, hardware, or network vulnerabilities
• : Hacking or password cracking
• : Identity theft
• : Scams and fraud
• : Ransomware
• : Other malicious software
• : Denial of Service (DoS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
• : Disruption or defacing of web presence
• : Abuse of access privileges by a current or former internal party
• : Other
• : OR
• : Do not know

Impact of cyber security incidents - Question identifier:27

You previously indicated that your business has cyber risk insurance. Did your business attempt to make a claim on that policy after the cyber security incidents in 2021? Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Cyber risk insurance:
An insurance product used to protect businesses and individual users from Internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

• : Yes, we successfully made a claim against the business's cyber risk insurance
• : Yes, we attempted to make a claim against the cyber risk insurance but were unsuccessful
• : Yes, we attempted to make a claim against the business's cyber risk insurance and it is still in progress
• : OR
• : No, we have not attempted to make a claim for any of the cyber security incidents

Impact of cyber security incidents - Question identifier:28

How was your business impacted by the cyber security incidents in 2021?
Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Recover:
Return of business or employee activity to the normal state, including but not limited to regaining data, IT systems, network, and other services.

Regulator:
An organization that supervises a particular industry or business activity. Examples include the Bank of Canada and Health Canada.

• : Loss of revenue
• : Loss of suppliers, customers, or partners
• : Additional repair or recovery costs
• : Paid ransom payment
• : Prevented the use of resources or services
• : Prevented employees from carrying out day-to-day work
• : Additional time required by employees to complete their day-to-day work
• : Damage to the reputation of the business
• : Fines from regulators or authorities
• : Discouraged business from carrying out a future activity that was planned
• : Minor incidents, impact was minimal to the business
• : Other
• : OR
• : Do not know

Impact of cyber security incidents - Question identifier:29

As a result of cyber security incidents, approximately how many hours of downtime did your business experience in 2021?
Include:
- total downtime for mobile devices, desktops, and network;
- time periods during which there was either reduced activity or inactivity of employees or the business.

If precise figures are not available, provide your best estimate.

Help definitions

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Downtime:
A time during which a machine, domain or service is not productive, as during repair, malfunction, or maintenance. This can lead to reduced activity or inactivity of an employee or a business.

• : Hours
• : OR
• : Business did not experience any downtime in 2021
• : OR
• : Do not know

Cyber security incidents reporting - Question identifier:30

Did your business report any cyber security incidents to a police service in 2021?
Include all levels of police service including federal, provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous.

Help definitions

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

• : Yes
• : No
• : Do not know

Cyber security incidents reporting - Question identifier:31

Which cyber security incidents did your business report to a police service in 2021?

Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Access:
Enables the right individuals to access the right resources. This security feature helps to protect entry to applications and resources across the corporate IT infrastructure, enabling additional levels of validation such as multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Intellectual property:
Legal rights that result from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary and artistic fields. Examples include a business's copyright, trademark, and patents.

Web presence:
Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties. Examples include a business's websites, social media accounts, mobile apps and their online advertising.

• : Incidents to disrupt or deface the business or web presence
• : Incidents to steal personal or financial information
• : Incidents to steal money or demand ransom payment
• : Incidents to steal or manipulate intellectual property or business data
• : Incidents to access unauthorised or privileged areas
• : Incidents to monitor and track business activity
• : Incidents with an unknown motive

Cyber security incidents reporting - Question identifier:32

What were the reasons for reporting incidents to a police service in 2021? Select all that apply.

Help text

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Cyber security certification program:
Programs which offer businesses a certification for adhering to particular cyber security standards. Examples include the CyberSecure Canada program and the Cyber Essentials Canada program.

Cyber security standards:
Best practices which, when followed, are designed to protect the cyber environment of a business or user. Examples include the cyber security standards published by the ISO and the IEC, the COBIT best practices framework and the NIST Cyber Security Framework.

Regulator:
An organization that supervises a particular industry or business activity. Examples include the Bank of Canada and Health Canada.

• : To reduce the damage caused by the incidents
• : To lower the probability of other businesses being impacted by the same incidents
• : To help catch the perpetrators
• : To fulfill the requirements of customers, suppliers, partners, regulators, cyber security standards or cyber certification programs
• : Other
  o Specify other reasons

Cyber security incidents reporting - Question identifier:33

What were the reasons for not reporting some or all of the cyber security incidents to a police service in 2021?

Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Stakeholder:
A person, group or organization that has interest or concern in an organization. Stakeholders can affect or be affected by the organization's actions, objectives and policies. Examples include suppliers, customers and business partners.

• : Incidents were resolved internally
• : Incidents were resolved through an IT consultant or contractor
• : To protect the reputation of the business or stakeholders
• : Did not want to spend more time or money on the issue
• : Police service would not consider incidents important enough
• : Police service was unsatisfactory in the past
• : Unsure of where or how to report
• : Reporting process is too complicated
• : Did not think the perpetrator would be convicted or adequately punished
• : Minor incidents, not important enough for business
• : Lack of evidence
• : Did not think of contacting a police service
• : OR
• : Business reported all cyber security incidents to a police service in 2021

Cyber security incidents reporting - Question identifier:34

Excluding police services, which other external party did your business report the cyber security incidents to in 2021?

Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre):
A Government of Canada organization which acts as a single unified source of expert advice, guidance, services and support on cyber security for government, critical infrastructure owners and operations, the private sector and the Canadian public.

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber risk insurance:
An insurance product used to protect businesses and individual users from Internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Industry association:
A group that supports and protects the rights of a particular industry and the people who work in that industry.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner:
A Government of Canada organization which provides advice and information for individuals about protecting personal information. They also enforce federal privacy laws that set out the rules for how federal government institutions and certain businesses must handle personal information.

Regulator:
An organization that supervises a particular industry or business activity. Examples include the Bank of Canada and Health Canada.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

• : Suppliers, customers or partners
• : IT consultant or contractor
• : Cyber risk insurance provider
• : Government department or agency
• : Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre)
• : Office of the Privacy Commissioner
• : Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
• : Regulator
• : Industry association
• : Bank or other financial institution
• : Software or service vendor
• : OR
• : Business did not report any cyber security incidents to external parties in 2021

Cyber security incidents reporting - Question identifier:35

What were the reasons for not reporting some or all the of the cyber security incidents to an external party in 2021?

Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Stakeholder:
A person, group or organization that has interest or concern in an organization. Stakeholders can affect or be affected by the organization's actions, objectives and policies. Examples include suppliers, customers and business partners.

• : Incidents were reported to a police service only
• : Incidents were resolved internally
• : To protect the reputation of the business or stakeholders
• : Lack of evidence
• : No benefit to reporting
• : Did not want to spend more time or money on the issue
• : Minor incidents, not important enough for business
• : Did not think of reporting the incidents to an external party
• : OR
• : Business reported all cyber security incidents to an external party in 2021

Cyber security incidents reporting - Question identifier:36

In responding to the cyber security incidents in 2021, which external parties did your business contact for information or advice?

Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre):
A Government of Canada organization which acts as a single unified source of expert advice, guidance, services and support on cyber security for government, critical infrastructure owners and operations, the private sector and the Canadian public.

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber risk insurance:
An insurance product used to protect businesses and individual users from Internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Industry association:
A group that supports and protects the rights of a particular industry and the people who work in that industry.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner:
A Government of Canada organization which provides advice and information for individuals about protecting personal information. They also enforce federal privacy laws that set out the rules for how federal government institutions and certain businesses must handle personal information.

Regulator:
An organization that supervises a particular industry or business activity. Examples include the Bank of Canada and Health Canada.

Software:
A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.

• : Suppliers, customers or partners
• : IT consultant or contractor
• : Cyber risk insurance provider
• : Legal services
• : Government department or agency
• : Police services
• : Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre)
• : Office of the Privacy Commissioner
• : Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
• : Regulator
• : Industry association
• : Bank or other financial institution
• : Software or service vendor
• : Internet community
• : Friends, family, or acquaintances
• : Computer repair shop
• : OR
• : Business did not contact any external parties in 2021

Notification of intent to extract web data - Question identifier:37

What is this business's website address?

We may also visit this business's website to search for additional publicly available information using automated methods, being careful not to impede the functionality of the website.

• : Website address

Current cyber security trends - Question identifier:51

In 2023, what was the total value of ransom payments made by your business?

Help definitions

Ransomware:
A type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment in order for the restriction to be removed.

• : More than $0, but less than or equal to $10,000
• : More than $10,000, but less than or equal to $50,000
• : More than $50,000, but less than or equal to $100,000
• : More than $100,000, but less than or equal to $250,000
• : More than $250,000, but less than or equal to $500,000
• : More than $500,000
• : The business did not make ransom payments in 2023
• : Do not know

Current cyber security trends - Question identifier:52

In 2023, what form of transaction did your business use to make ransom payments?

Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Cryptocurrencies:
A digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank.

Ransomware:
A type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment in order for the restriction to be removed.

• : Cryptocurrency
• : Gift card
• : E-transfer
• : Other - Please specify

Current cyber security trends - Question identifier:53

In 2023, which external parties did your business work with to address ransomware incidents?

Include all external parties your business reported the ransomware incidents to.

Select all that apply.

Help definitions

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre):
A Government of Canada organization which acts as a single unified source of expert advice, guidance, services and support on cyber security for government, critical infrastructure owners and operations, the private sector and the Canadian public.

Consultant:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate a client's needs and provide expert advice and opinion on what needs to be done.

Contractor:
A person or business that is hired to evaluate the client's needs and actually perform the work.

Cyber risk insurance:
An insurance product used to protect businesses and individual users from Internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities.

Cyber security incident:
Any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete or render unavailable any computer network or system resource.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner:
A Government of Canada organization which provides advice and information for individuals about protecting personal information. They also enforce federal privacy laws that set out the rules for how federal government institutions and certain organizations must handle personal information.

Ransomware:
A type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment in order for the restriction to be removed.

• : IT consultant or contractor
• : Cyber risk insurance provider
• : Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• : Other police services
• : Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre)
• : Canadian Spam Reporting Centre
• : Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
• : Office of the Privacy Commissioner
• : Other external parties
• : OR
• : The business did not work with external parties to resolve ransomware incidents in 2023
• : OR
• : Do not know

Current cyber security trends - Question identifier:54

In the case of ransomware attacks, does your business have a rule or policy to not pay the ransom?

Help definitions

Ransomware:
A type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment in order for the restriction to be removed.

• : The business has a rule or policy to not pay the ransom
• : The business does not have a rule or policy to not pay the ransom
• : Do not know