Canadians wary of cyberattacks, trust small firms less

Bell Cyber has published research showing that 76% of Canadians say they were targeted by a cyberattack in the past year, underscoring rising concern about digital security.

The national report found that nearly seven in 10 Canadians are more concerned about cybersecurity risks than they were two years ago. It also found that 65% said distrust in the digital environment has changed how they live their daily lives.

That shift is affecting how consumers deal with businesses. The research found that 38% of respondents had avoided doing business with a company because of cybersecurity concerns, while 57% said they would likely stop being a customer after a breach involving their personal information.

The results also showed a trust gap between larger companies and smaller firms. Just 39% of Canadians said they trust small and medium-sized businesses to protect against cyber threats, compared with 64% who said the same of large enterprises.

Consumer caution

The figures suggest cybersecurity incidents are no longer seen as isolated technical problems, but as events that shape consumer decisions and daily routines. Avoiding certain companies and reconsidering whether to remain a customer after a breach show that concerns about data protection are directly influencing commercial behaviour.

For smaller businesses, the trust gap may be especially significant. If consumers believe larger organisations are better equipped to manage cyber risk, smaller firms could face added pressure to show how they handle personal data and respond to online threats.

The research also points to a broader challenge for organisations that rely on digital channels to reach customers. If nearly two-thirds of people say distrust in the digital environment has altered their daily behaviour, the concern extends beyond headline-making breaches into routine online interactions.

Trust and response

The findings also reveal what customers expect from organisations. The report identified transparent communication, visible cybersecurity investment and stronger data protection practices as areas where businesses can build trust with the public.

That matters in a market where customer relationships can weaken quickly after a security incident. The finding that more than half of respondents would likely leave a company after a breach involving personal information suggests the commercial cost of a cyberattack may extend well beyond immediate technical or regulatory consequences.

The contrast between trust in large enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses may also reflect public assumptions about resources, staffing and preparedness. Larger companies often have dedicated security teams and more established systems, while smaller businesses may struggle to convince customers they can offer the same level of protection.

At the same time, the survey points to an opportunity for organisations that can clearly explain how they protect customer data. In a more cautious digital environment, communication about security measures may become as important to customers as price, convenience or service.

The findings come as cyber threats remain a persistent concern for businesses and consumers alike, with phishing, fraud and data theft continuing to affect how people use online services. The report's central message is that cybersecurity has become as much a trust issue as an operational one, with customers increasingly willing to change their behaviour when that trust is weakened.

Among the clearest findings was that 57% of Canadians said they would likely stop being a customer following a breach involving their personal information.