Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are facing a major risk today: cybersecurity. In Quebec, more than 6 out of 10 SMEs have experienced a cyberattack in the past year. This article identifies the 10 most common cybersecurity vulnerabilities for SMEs, explains why they occur, and provides the first steps to prevent them.

Why SMEs Are Particularly Vulnerable to Cyberattacks

Lack of internal resources

65% of Quebec SMEs say they don’t have the internal resources to implement or monitor a cybersecurity solution.

Ideal targets for automated attacks

Cybercrime affected more than six out of ten small and medium-sized Quebec businesses in 2023.

Limited awareness and outdated systems

Outdated IT systems or obsolete software make 74% of Quebec SMEs vulnerable, according to the same study. This modernization gap increases the risk of intrusion.

Insufficient cybersecurity investment

According to CS Science, 94% of Quebec SMEs are concerned about cybersecurity, but only 29% invest between 7% and 14% of their budget in it.

The 10 Most Common Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in SMEs

1. Weak or reused passwords

Issue: Users often choose easy-to-guess passwords like “123456” or reuse the same password across multiple accounts, making brute-force or phishing attacks easier.
Example: An employee uses the same password for their Microsoft 365 account and an e-commerce site. If that site is breached, hackers can access their professional emails.
Solution: Enforce a strong password policy (minimum 12 characters, with numbers, letters, and symbols) and recommend using a password manager (e.g., Password Boss).

2. Lack of software updates

Issue: Many SMEs fail to regularly apply security patches, leaving known vulnerabilities open for exploitation.
Example: The company’s accounting software hasn’t been updated in two years. A critical flaw allows attackers to access financial data.
Solution: Automate updates across all systems (Windows, macOS, business software) and regularly verify software versions.

3. No two-factor authentication (2FA)

Issue: Without 2FA, a stolen password is enough to compromise critical systems.
Example: A hacker obtains employee credentials from a data breach. Without 2FA, they gain access to the customer management system.
Solution: Enable 2FA wherever possible—especially on sensitive tools like email, Microsoft 365, and management software.

4. Phishing and social engineering

Issue: Cybercriminals impersonate trusted parties to deceive employees.
Example: An employee receives an email seemingly from the CEO requesting an urgent wire transfer and complies without verifying.
Solution: Train employees to recognize suspicious emails, use anti-phishing filters, and enforce a dual-control rule for sensitive requests.

5. Lack of regular data backups

Issue: In the event of ransomware or accidental deletion, data loss can be irreversible.
Example: A virus encrypts all company data. Without backups, operations are paralyzed.
Solution: Implement automatic daily backups with both local and off-site storage, and test restorations regularly.

6. Use of unsecured or pirated software

Issue: Pirated or outdated software may contain vulnerabilities or malware.
Example: A designer uses a pirated version of a program infected with spyware that transmits confidential data.
Solution: Use only licensed, up-to-date, and approved software suited to business needs.

7. No internal security policy

Issue: Without clear rules, each employee follows their own practices, increasing risk.
Example: An employee shares login credentials with an intern without informing management.
Solution: Define and enforce a cybersecurity policy (access management, device usage, storage, remote work).

8. Uncontrolled access to sensitive data

Issue: Employees often have access to information they shouldn’t.
Example: An assistant can view payroll files because the HR folder is publicly accessible.
Solution: Apply the principle of least privilege and audit access permissions regularly.

9. No effective firewall or antivirus

Issue: Consumer-grade security tools are often insufficient to block modern threats.
Example: An undetected piece of malware connects to an external server to exfiltrate data.
Solution: Install a professional firewall and business-grade antivirus/EDR solution with alerts and monitoring.

10. Lack of cybersecurity training

Issue: Untrained employees are one of the main causes of incidents.
Example: An assistant clicks a malicious link in a phishing email.
Solution: Provide ongoing cybersecurity training for all staff, including simulations and regular refreshers.

The Consequences of a Cybersecurity Breach for an SME

• Financial impact: Many Quebec SMEs that suffered attacks had to pay a ransom. In 2024, 72% of Canadian SME leaders reported experiencing a cyberattack, and 67% paid a ransom.
   
• Data loss: Customer and financial data are prime targets.
  
• Reputation damage: Loss of partner and client trust can have long-term consequences.
  
• Legal liability: With laws like Quebec’s Law 25, the responsibility to protect personal data has increased.
  
• Business closure risk: A serious cyberattack can threaten operational continuity, especially for smaller businesses.
  

About Groupe SL and Its Cybersecurity Expertise

Groupe SL helps Quebec SMEs implement cybersecurity strategies tailored to their reality. Personalized audits, team awareness training, custom technical solutions, and ongoing support are part of the services offered.
In a context where more than 60% of Quebec SMEs are targeted annually by cyberattacks, taking action is essential.

Contact our experts to secure your systems, protect your data, and comply with legal requirements (Law 25, GDPR, etc.).

Plan a call with the Groupe SL team.