The Canadian Cybersecurity Network’s latest report reveals a surge in cyberattacks threatening patient safety, care delivery and the resilience of Canada’s healthcare system.
The Canadian Cybersecurity Network (CCN), Canada’s largest cybersecurity community, has released its Pulse Check – National Cybersecurity in Healthcare Report at the inCyber Forum in Montreal, issuing a stark warning that cyberattacks on the country’s healthcare system are accelerating and threatening patient safety, trust and service continuity.
The report highlights that patients across Canada are already feeling the effects of escalating cyber incidents. From surgeries in Ontario being cancelled, to Toronto’s SickKids Hospital experiencing treatment delays, to the province-wide breach in Newfoundland and Labrador that cost US$16 million and disrupted thousands of procedures, these are not isolated events but signs of a growing national crisis.
With just one click, a cyberattack can cancel a surgery, derail critical treatment plans and put lives at risk. The report notes that the threat is global, with healthcare systems in the UK and US also suffering major breaches and shutdowns.
“Cybersecurity in healthcare isn’t just about protecting data, it’s about protecting people. A single click can cancel a surgery. When systems go down, patient care stops, and the consequences are life and death,” said François Guay, Founder and CEO, CCN.
“Every healthcare worker, policymaker and leader has a role to play in protecting our healthcare system. Every cyberdefence is another layer of protection around public health,” said Elias Diab, VP of Cybersecurity, Accerta.
“Canada’s healthcare system is already stretched thin, facing staff shortages, long wait times and rising demand,” said Dr Benoit Desjardins, MD, PhD, Professor and CMIO of Radiology, University of Montreal (CHUM). “The last thing it needs is a cyberattack that shuts down hospitals or exposes patient data. Inaction isn’t just risky, it’s dangerous. We need a unified, national response to protect a system Canadians rely on every day.”
