Cybersecurity Threats Targeting Canada's Healthcare System: A Growing Crisis

On October 14, 2025, the Canadian Cybersecurity Network (CCN), the country's leading organization in cybersecurity, released a pivotal report during the INCYBER Forum in Montreal. This document, entitled "Pulse Check – National Cybersecurity in Healthcare Report," shines a critical light on the escalating cyberattacks against Canada's healthcare sector, warning that these attacks threaten patient care, erode trust, and undermine the resiliency of essential services.

The findings in the report reflect a concerning trend: healthcare systems across Canada are increasingly vulnerable. Patients across the nation have already begun to experience the repercussions of these attacks, such as surgical procedures being unexpectedly canceled in Ontario, critical treatment delays at Toronto's SickKids Hospital, and a devastating province-wide breach in Newfoundland and Labrador that cost an estimated $16 million and postponed thousands of procedures. These are not isolated incidents; they are indicators of a systemic and growing crisis.

François Guay, the CCN's Founder and CEO, warned, "Cybersecurity in healthcare is not only about safeguarding data but also about protecting lives. A single click can lead to the cancellation of a surgery. When systems go offline, patient care is hindered, which can result in life-threatening situations."

Echoing this sentiment, Elias Diab, the VP of Cybersecurity at Accerta, stated, "Every healthcare worker, policymaker, and leader must play an active role in safeguarding our healthcare system. Each cyber defense adds an essential layer of protection for public health."

Compounding these challenges is the already-stressed Canadian healthcare system, plagued with staff shortages, lengthy wait times, and rising demand. Dr. Benoit Desjardins, MD, PhD, a Professor and the Chief Medical Information Officer at the University of Montreal (CHUM), emphasized, "The last thing our healthcare system requires is a cyberattack that could incapacitate our hospitals or jeopardize patient data. The risk of inaction is significant; we need a consolidated national strategy to fortify the system that Canadians depend on daily."

Key Recommendations from the Report

The report outlines five crucial findings to enhance healthcare cybersecurity in Canada:
1. Integrate cybersecurity measures into every digital health initiative, from the initial stages to execution.
2. Invest in human resources by expanding cybersecurity capacity among clinicians, administrators, and IT teams.
3. Boost awareness through a nationwide security training program tailored for healthcare workers.
4. Implement secure funding models that prioritize resilience in cybersecurity over mere connectivity.
5. Facilitate national threat intelligence sharing so that each breach provides learning opportunities and no hospital faces breaches alone.

The overall message of the report is unequivocal: ensuring the cybersecurity of healthcare is paramount for patient safety, public trust, and national resilience. The CCN emphasizes the need for urgent investments in personnel training, enhanced leadership involvement, and the establishment of resilient systems capable of withstanding the increasing wave of cyber threats.

The complete "Pulse Check – National Cybersecurity in Healthcare Report" can be accessed for free, offering invaluable insights for stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum.

About the Canadian Cybersecurity Network

Founded in 2019, the Canadian Cybersecurity Network (CCN) has quickly grown to become Canada's largest cybersecurity organization, with over 45,000 professionals and 300 member companies reaching nearly one million individuals nationwide. Operating under the motto "Stronger Together," the CCN is dedicated to delivering independent research, national programming, and innovative thought leadership to promote cyber awareness, workforce development, and industry advancement. For more information, visit www.canadiancybersecuritynetwork.com or follow the CCN on LinkedIn.