MONTREAL, Oct. 24, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Companies are confronted with a number of risks that can compromise their productivity and growth on a daily basis. Data theft, fraud, computer piracy and ransomware can be devastating, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
In response, Desjardins introduced an online Cybersecurity Kit. Desjardins is the first financial institution in Canada to offer this kind of kit to help small business owners protect themselves against cyberattacks. It includes:
- Information on the main threats to SMEs and practical advice
- An information security policy
- Videos and checklists to raise employee awareness about cybersecurity
- A self-assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities
"Most fraud cases we see are preventable. That's why we need to educate business owners and their employees on the different scams fraudsters use to take advantage of people. Desjardins is committed to raising awareness and providing people with the necessary tools to lower the number of fraud-related incidents," said Stéphanie Gohier-Coulombe, Fraud Prevention Advisor at Desjardins.
According to a report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce published in April 2017, entitled Cyber Security in Canada: Practical Solutions to a Growing Problem, SMEs are aware that they need to do more but they're not sure how. Due to a lack of resources, nearly half of all SMEs in Canada have been the victim of a cyberattack and 71% of data breaches happen to small businesses.
In 2012, 69% of 520 Canadian SMEs surveyed by the International Cyber Security Protection Alliance had experienced a cyberattack in the previous year. These types of incidents cost small businesses, on average, $15,000.
About Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest cooperative financial group in the world, with assets of $272 billion. It has been rated one of the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked one of the world's strongest banks by to The Banker, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.
SOURCE Mouvement Desjardins
(for journalists only): Valérie Lamarre, Public Relations, Desjardins Group, 514‑281-7275 or 1‑866‑866-7000, ext. 5557275, [email protected]
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