Direct answer
A Canadian SMB should be able to verify strong authentication, patching, secure device configuration, endpoint protection, staff awareness, protected backups and an incident-response plan. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security groups these practices into a manageable baseline for smaller organizations.
Start with identity
Require multifactor authentication, protect administrative accounts and remove access promptly when someone leaves. Stolen credentials can bypass otherwise healthy infrastructure.
Protect and maintain every device
Know which devices access company systems, apply security updates, use endpoint protection and define what happens when a device is lost or replaced.
Plan for the bad day
Document who makes decisions, who communicates, how systems are isolated and which services return first. Test representative restores instead of relying only on backup notifications.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need all controls at once?
No. Prioritize the controls that reduce the largest realistic risks, then maintain an improvement plan with clear owners and dates.
Who should own cybersecurity?
Technical work may be delegated, but leadership remains accountable for risk decisions, funding, policy and incident authority.
Primary reference: Canadian Centre for Cyber Security — Baseline controls ↗