Press release

SAINT-HYACINTHE, QC, June 1, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, Devolutions presents the results of its second study on IT security in Quebec SMBs at its second annual IT security summit (ITSec). The data collected reveals that 94% of respondents are concerned about the confidentiality and security of their company's data. The two most feared threats are ransomware (83%) and phishing (68%), as in the previous year. This year, however, insider threats caused intentionally or unintentionally by employees rank third on the anxiety scale, as 42% of respondents consider them a significant threat. Another new addition this year: Devolutions conducted a simultaneous comparative study of Quebec SMBs and those worldwide, enabling direct geographic comparisons.

ITSec: A Highly Anticipated Summit

More than 300 attendees are expected today at the Saint-Hyacinthe Convention Centre for the second IT security summit. ITSec is organized by Devolutions and made possible by its partners ISM, Hornetsecurity, Armis, and IT Complete The Kaseya Platform. Unique of its kind in Quebec, ITSec represents a golden opportunity for IT professionals to discuss best practices for countering cyber threats and to participate in sessions and workshops led by Quebec security experts. This year, ITSec spans two full days dedicated to IT security and its challenges. Among the most anticipated talks is the opening keynote by Sarah Legendre-Bilodeau, CEO and founder of Videns Analytics, who will discuss the current and future uses of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity. This talk is certain to attract considerable interest from participants, given the growing popularity of artificial intelligence today.

Portrait: Quebec SMBs Lag Behind in IT Security Compared to International Standards

Only 29% of companies allocate the recommended share of their budget to cybersecurity, between 7% and 14%. In contrast, 27% of them devote less than 5% of their IT budget to cybersecurity. Internationally, this percentage stands at 51%.

Insufficient Protective Measures Compared to Companies Elsewhere

• Only 20% of participating companies rate their level of protection against cyberattacks as excellent;
• The two most popular training topics among respondents are password security (68%) and phishing (70%). However, one in ten respondents reports offering no cybersecurity training to their employees;
• Only 12% of Quebec companies have a PAM solution in place, compared to 20% internationally.

Quebec SMBs Are Not Ready to Comply with Bill 25

• Only 25% of Quebec companies say they are ready to meet the requirements of Bill 25. The remaining respondents are either preparing, lack the necessary information, or are unaware of the cost or time required to comply.

This online survey was conducted from March 2023 to May 2023 by Devolutions in partnership with AQT among 75 SMBs operating in the IT field. The international survey covers the same period and was conducted among 217 SMBs.

About Devolutions

Founded in Quebec in 2010 and present in over 140 countries with more than 800,000 users, Devolutions offers solutions combining productivity and security for IT professionals. At Devolutions, we care about the interests of all small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), without exception. Personalized support is offered to these SMBs to help them optimize their security against cyberattacks. We believe it is crucial to treat SMBs equally. That is why Devolutions strives to meet the needs of all businesses, regardless of their size or origin.

SOURCE Devolutions inc.

Contact: Laurence Cadieux, lcadieux@devolutions.net, (514) 360-3686 ext. 154